What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nicely
Example
She spoke nicely to the waiter, thanking him for his service. [nicely: adverb]
Example
He played the guitar nicely, impressing the audience with his skills. [nicely: adverb]
Example
The weather is nicely warm today, perfect for a picnic. [nicely: adverb]
pleasantly
Example
The restaurant was pleasantly quiet, allowing us to have a peaceful dinner. [pleasantly: adverb]
Example
The cake tasted pleasantly sweet, making it a hit at the party. [pleasantly: adverb]
Example
The staff greeted us pleasantly, making us feel welcome. [pleasantly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nicely is more commonly used than pleasantly in everyday language. Nicely is a common word that covers a wide range of contexts, while pleasantly is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nicely and pleasantly?
Both nicely and pleasantly are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, nicely can also be used in formal situations to convey politeness and respectfulness.