Nice

/naɪs/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonQuality
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Pleasant, enjoyable, or satisfactory.

/naɪs/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Quality

Pleasing; agreeable; giving pleasure or satisfaction.

The food was nice.

💡 Simply: Imagine a yummy ice cream cone! If it tastes good and makes you happy, that's 'nice'. It means something is enjoyable and makes you feel good.

👶 For kids: If something is 'nice', it means it's good and makes you feel happy!

More Examples

2

It was a nice evening.

3

She has a nice voice.

How It's Used

General

"The weather was nice today."

Social

"She's a nice person to be around."

2

Showing kindness, courtesy, or consideration.

/naɪs/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Behavior

Kind, polite, or considerate.

It was nice of you to offer to help.

💡 Simply: Imagine your friend shares their toys with you. That's 'nice' behavior! It means they're being kind and friendly.

👶 For kids: If someone is 'nice', it means they are kind to you.

More Examples

2

She is a nice person.

3

The staff were very nice.

How It's Used

Social

"He was very nice to help her with her groceries."

Tip:Think of someone giving you a 'nice' gift. They're being kind and thoughtful!
3

Characterized by precision, subtlety, or fineness; displaying a delicate or refined quality.

/naɪs/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Quality

Precise or subtle in a way.

He has a nice eye for detail.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're building with LEGOs. If the pieces fit just right and the tower stands perfectly, that's 'nice' in the way it's put together.

👶 For kids: If something is 'nice', it means it's done really carefully and well.

More Examples

2

The engine has a nice purr.

3

There's a nice distinction between the two flavors.

How It's Used

Technical

"The recipe requires a nice balance of ingredients."

Arts

"He has a nice way with words."

Tip:Think of a 'nice' watch—intricately designed, precise, and elegant. The beauty is in the details.

Idioms & expressions

Nice one!

An exclamation of approval or congratulations, often used in a casual and friendly context.

"Nice one! You scored a goal."

to have a nice time

To experience pleasure, enjoyment, or satisfaction.

"We hope you have a nice time at the party."

From Middle English 'nyce,' from Old French 'nice,' meaning 'foolish, ignorant.' Over time, it evolved to mean 'refined, agreeable, pleasant.' Ultimately derived from Latin 'nescius' (ignorant).

The word 'nice' initially meant 'foolish' or 'silly' in the 13th century, and gradually evolved over centuries to its current meanings.

Memory tip

Think of a 'nice' day as a 'pleasant' day. The words rhyme and share the same joyful spirit.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"ignorant"

nice weathernice personnice daynice to see younice gesture

Common misspellings

neicenisenyce

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written