nice
A word used to describe something that is pleasant, enjoyable, or attractive. It also describes a person who is kind, friendly, and polite to others.
Examples
3 of 5The weather is very nice today, so let's go for a walk.
The weather is very pleasant today, so let's go for a walk.
It was very nice of you to send a thank-you note after the interview.
It was very thoughtful of you to send a thank-you note after the interview.
That is a really nice shirt you are wearing!
That is a really cool shirt you are wearing!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the letters in NICE: Nearly Ideal, Charming, and Easy.
Quick Quiz
It was very ___ of you to help me with my bags.
Correct!
The correct answer is: nice
Examples
The weather is very nice today, so let's go for a walk.
everydayThe weather is very pleasant today, so let's go for a walk.
It was very nice of you to send a thank-you note after the interview.
formalIt was very thoughtful of you to send a thank-you note after the interview.
That is a really nice shirt you are wearing!
informalThat is a really cool shirt you are wearing!
The author provides a nice summary of the previous research in the introduction.
academicThe author provides a clear and useful summary of the previous research in the introduction.
It was nice meeting you, and I look forward to our future collaboration.
businessIt was a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to our future collaboration.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Have a nice day
A polite way to say goodbye
Nice to meet you
A greeting used when meeting someone for the first time
Nice try
Used to acknowledge an attempt, sometimes sarcastically
Often Confused With
'Kind' specifically refers to a person's helpful nature, while 'nice' can describe objects, weather, or general pleasantness.
'Fine' often means 'okay' or 'good enough', whereas 'nice' implies a higher level of pleasure or beauty.
Usage Notes
While 'nice' is very common in spoken English, it is often considered a 'weak' word in creative or formal writing because it is very general.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'nice' to describe everything positive; try to use more specific words like 'delicious' for food or 'beautiful' for scenery to sound more advanced.
Memory Tip
Think of the letters in NICE: Nearly Ideal, Charming, and Easy.
Word Origin
Originally from the Old French 'nice' meaning 'silly' or 'simple', which came from the Latin 'nescius' meaning 'ignorant'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking cultures, 'nice' is the standard polite adjective used to keep social interactions smooth and friendly.
Quick Quiz
It was very ___ of you to help me with my bags.
Correct!
The correct answer is: nice
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Descriptions words
huge
A1Something that is huge is extremely large in size, amount, or degree. It is a more powerful word than 'big' used to emphasize that something is much larger than normal.
giant
A1A giant is an imaginary creature that looks like a human but is much bigger and stronger. It is also used to describe a real person or thing that is very large or successful.
massive
A1Something that is massive is very, very large and heavy. It can also describe something that is much bigger or more powerful than usual.
short
A1Describes something that measures a small distance from one end to the other or is not tall in height. It is also used to describe a brief period of time or a limited amount of something.
narrow
A1Narrow describes something that has a very small distance from one side to the other. It is the opposite of wide and is often used to describe roads, paths, or spaces.
excellent
A1Something that is extremely good or of very high quality. It is used to praise someone's work, a specific object, or a positive experience.
wonderful
A1Something that is very good, pleasant, or makes you feel great admiration. It is used to describe things or experiences that are extremely enjoyable and high in quality.
ugly
A1Something that is unpleasant to look at and lacks beauty or attractiveness. It can also describe a situation, behavior, or sound that is very unpleasant, mean, or dangerous.
pretty
A1A person or object that is considered attractive or pleasing to look at. While mostly used as an adjective, as a noun it refers to decorative items or a charming person.
handsome
A1This word is an adjective used to describe someone, usually a man, who is physically attractive with well-proportioned features. It can also be used to describe an impressively large amount of something, such as money or a reward.
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