nice and

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈnaɪsənd/

Adverb

nice and (not comparable)

1. (degree) Pleasingly, adequately.

   The pie came out of the oven nice and hot.

   Everything they're doing is nice and legal, thanks to the tireless work of their lobbyists. [​sarcastic tone of approval]

   • 1997 March, Jonathan Dorn, “Boots for little feet”, in Backpacker, volume 25, number 2, page 212:

     so be sure to lace their boots up nice and tight for maximum ankle support.

   • 1996, Arlen Roth, Hot guitar:

     Keep those bass notes nice and steady, and you'll be in good shape.

Usage notes

• Precedes an adjective or adverb.
• Pronouncing "and" with a full vowel would probably lead to the inference that "nice" was an independent adjective

See also

• good and
• lovely and
• hendiadys