nice
/naɪs/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Pleasant, enjoyable, or good in a simple way. It can describe a person, thing, feeling, or situation.
- She is a very nice teacher.
- We had a nice evening together.
- That's a nice idea.
- 2.
Kind and friendly. This use often describes someone's behaviour toward other people.
- He was nice to everyone at work.
- Please be nice to your sister.
- They gave us a nice welcome.
- 3.
Used before numbers, amounts, or strong words to show they are quite large or very good.
- He earned a nice salary.
- There is a nice amount of time left.
- That's a nice big house.
Adinary Nuance
Nice is a very general word. It often sounds weaker than good, kind, pleasant, or lovely. Because it is so common, native speakers may use it when they want to be simple, polite, or not too strong.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tốt
- Spanish
- agradable
- Chinese
- 好
- Japanese
- 良い
- Korean
- 좋은
Etymology
Nice comes from Latin nescius, meaning 'not knowing'. In Middle English, it had meanings like 'foolish' or 'silly', but it later changed to its modern positive sense.
Common phrases
nice to meet youhave a nice daynice and easynice-looking
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'nice' formal or informal?
- It is neutral and very common in everyday speech. In formal writing, words like 'pleasant' or 'good' may sound stronger.
- What's the difference between 'nice' and 'kind'?
- 'Nice' can mean pleasant or agreeable. 'Kind' is more about caring and helping other people.
- Can I use 'nice' in IELTS writing?
- You can, but it is often too general. In academic writing, more precise words are usually better.
- Is 'nice' overused?
- Yes, many learners and native speakers use it too much. Try more exact words when you can.