Nuance
/ˈnjuː.ɑːns/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A minor distinction. countable
"hidden nuances"
- 2 a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude wordnet
- 3 Subtlety or fine detail. countable, uncountable
"Understanding the basics is easy, but appreciating the nuances takes years."
Verb
- 1 To apply a nuance to; to change or redefine in a subtle way. transitive
Example
More examples"This word has a subtle nuance to it."
Etymology
Borrowed from French nuance (“nuance, shade, hue”). Several steps omitting from Latin nūbēs. Compare typologically Italian sfumatura (< Latin fūmus).