Early English nice could describe someone foolish. Borrowed through Old French from Latin nescius, it began on the unknowing side of things. Over time, its senses wandered through fastidiousness and precision toward agreeableness and kindness.
Sources
- Merriam-Webster · nice
Dictionary word history; the component and historical references below supply additional detail.
- Online Etymology Dictionary · nice
Historical forms, meanings, and context for the route described here.