Nicety
/ˈnaɪ.sɪ.ti/noun
A fine detail or distinction; a subtlety.
Did you know?In the past, 'nicety' referred to a dangerous flaw or folly, highlighting how something seemingly innocent can have darker implications.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
nicetia
“Foolishness or ignorance.”
Old French
Old French
niceté
“Subtlety or fineness.”
14th Century
Middle English
nicete
“A quality of being finicky or fastidious.”
Modern English
English
nicety
“A term used to denote a small, precise detail or distinction.”