English Reference
adverb

nicely

adv.
US /ˈnaɪsɫi/ UK /nˈaɪsli/ nice·ly

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    in a pleasant, kind, or satisfactory way.

    in a manner that is pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory.

    Simple

    The children played nicely together in the garden all afternoon.

    In context

    The new software integrates nicely with our existing database, saving the IT department hours of manual configuration.

    badlypoorlyunkindly
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    with great care and attention to small details.

    with fine discernment, precision, or exactness.

    Simple

    The two parts of the machine fit nicely together.

    In context

    The author nicely distinguishes between the two theories, highlighting subtle differences that most critics overlook.

    Usage

    Often used in technical or academic contexts to describe a distinction or a fit.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency ArchaicLiterary

    doing something very carefully or being very fussy about details.

    in a fastidious, refined, or overly careful manner.

    Simple

    The old documents were nicely arranged in the wooden chest.

    In context

    He was a man who dressed nicely, paying extreme attention to the fold of his cravat and the shine of his boots.

    fastidiouslycarefully

From Middle English nycely; equivalent to nice + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English nycely
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated