Nice
/naɪs/noun
Pleasant or agreeable; giving a sense of satisfaction.
Did you know?In the 14th century, 'nice' was used to describe someone foolish or silly, reflecting a surprising twist in its journey to meaning 'pleasant' today.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
nescius
“Ignorant, unaware.”
Old French
Old French
nice
“Foolish, ignorant.”
Middle English
Middle English
nice
“Foolish, silly.”
14th Century
Middle English
nice
“Delicate, refined (shift in meaning).”
Modern English
English
nice
“Pleasant, agreeable (modern shift towards positive connotation).”