What change is illustrated Nice. Derived from Latin ne scio meaning do not know nice meant silly or ignorant when borrowed into English. Through the phrase a distinction it came to mean precise.?

The change illustrated with the word "nice" is a fascinating example of semantic shift, where the meaning of a word changes over time.

Here's a breakdown of the evolution:

1. Origin in Latin: "Nice" comes from the Latin phrase "ne scio," meaning "I do not know." This suggests a sense of ignorance or foolishness.

2. Early English Usage: When "nice" was borrowed into English, it initially retained this negative connotation, meaning "foolish," "ignorant," or "silly."

3. The Shift to "Precise": The shift towards "precise" occurred through the phrase "a nice distinction," which originally meant "a foolish distinction" (i.e., a distinction that was not clear or important).

4. Reversal of Meaning: Over time, the phrase "a nice distinction" came to be used ironically, implying that the distinction was indeed clear and important. This led to a reversal of meaning, where "nice" started to signify something refined, delicate, and precise.

Summary of the Change:

* Original Meaning: Foolish, ignorant

* Intermediate Meaning: Foolish, but used ironically to mean precise

* Modern Meaning: Precise, delicate, refined

This example shows how language is dynamic and can change significantly over time, often through ironic usage and shifts in cultural context.