How to pronounce nicety
Say it like NY-sih-tee. Nicety has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nicety. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NY
- sih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nicety pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of nicety
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: NY-sih-tee.
What does nicety mean?
- A small detail or distinction.“We met the new captain while we were taking enemy fire and were unable to observe the niceties of formal introductions.”
- Subtlety or precision of use; exactness; preciseness.“A rocket-propelled grenade doesn't have the nicety of a sniper round, but you must admit its effectiveness.”
- A delicacy of character or feeling usually from excessive refinement; fastidiousness.
- Behaving in an unpleasant or spiteful way that is seemingly, or perceived as, pleasant or agreeable.
Where does nicety come from?
From Middle English nicetee, from Old French niceté (“simpleness, foolishness”), from nice (“simple, foolish”); equivalent to nice + -e- + -ty.
Questions about saying nicety
How do you pronounce nicety?
Say NY-sih-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈnaɪsɪti/. In British English it is /ˈnaɪsɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nicety?
Nicety has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NY). Broken into parts: NY · sih · tee.
Is nicety pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈnaɪsɪti/ (NY-sih-tee).