Words / C1

NEESH/niːʃ/

A niche is a specialised gap in a market, or a role that fits you unusually well: a niche product, find your niche. Also a recess in a wall. Specialist is the adjective cousin; corner is everyday. Pronunciation: British often /niːʃ/, also /nɪtʃ/. Do not call a mass required module a niche course.

Meaning

A specialised segment of a market, or a role that fits someone unusually well.

Examples

• “They found a niche in night-class materials that the big publishers ignored.”
• “They occupied a niche in night-class workbooks the big lists ignored.”
• “A wall niche holds a statue; exam English usually wants the market/role sense. A first-year core course is not niche.”

Good to know

A narrow specialised slot (market or role). Also a wall recess. British /niːʃ/ or /nɪtʃ/. Everyday: a corner of the market. Not a mass compulsory course.

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