different between nicety vs vicety

English

Etymology

From Middle English nicetee, from Old French niceté (“simpleness, foolishness”), from nice (“simple, foolish”); equivalent to nice +? -ity.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?na?s?ti/

Noun

nicety (countable and uncountable, plural niceties)

1. 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.

   • the fineness and niceties of words

2. Subtlety or precision of use.

   A rocket-propelled grenade doesn't have the nicety of a sniper round, but you must admit its effectiveness.

3. Delicacy of character or feeling usually from excessive refinement; fastidiousness
4. (obsolete) That which is delicate to the taste.

Derived terms

• to a nicety

Translations

Further reading

• nicety in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• nicety in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• nicety at OneLook Dictionary Search

English

Etymology

From vice (“a fault”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?va?s?ti/

Noun

vicety (countable and uncountable, plural viceties)

1. (obsolete) fault; defect; coarseness
   • 1633, Ben Jonson, The King's Entertainment at Welbeck

     Here is to the fruit of Pem,
     Grafted upon Stub his stem,
     With the Peakish nicety,
     And old Sherewood's vicety