Nicely

/ˈnaɪsli/ adverb

Definition

In a way that is pleasant, polite, or satisfactory; in a refined or delicate manner.

Etymology

From the adjective 'nice,' derived from Old French 'nice' meaning 'foolish' or 'silly,' which came from Latin 'nescius' meaning 'ignorant.' The meaning shifted dramatically over centuries to mean 'refined' and 'pleasant.'

Kelly Says

The word 'nice' originally meant ignorant or foolish in the 1300s, and gradually became refined and pleasant by the 1800s—one of the biggest meaning-flips in English history! 'Nicely' carried along on that journey, which means you're using a word that was an insult in medieval times.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.