Small polite behaviors, details, or social conventions that show good manners and respect.
From 'nicety,' from Old French 'nicete,' from Latin 'nescientia' meaning ignorance (ironically). Over time, the meaning shifted to mean subtle distinctions and refined behavior by the 1600s.
It's ironic that 'niceties' comes from a Latin word meaning 'ignorance'—but the evolution shows how language changes! What once meant 'not knowing details' became 'knowing and following small polite details perfectly.'
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