nuance

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
हिन्दी
Hindi
/ˈnjuː.ɑns/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A slight, delicate quality or difference that is hard to notice.
Practice using nuance in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Even the smallest nuance can affect perception.
  • The fabric's nuance gave it a luxurious feel.
  • The chef adjusted the sauce to add a nuance of spice.
  • The teacher encouraged students to develop nuance in their analysis.
  • A writer with nuance can convey complex emotions subtly.

Similar words

refinement
delicacy
delicacy
nicety
perceptiveness
fine distinction
shade
tint
subtlety
shade

Meanings

Subtle distinction or variation

noun
everyday
neutral
A very slight difference in meaning, color, sound, or feeling.

Examples

  • The nuance in her voice revealed her true feelings.
  • A slight nuance of blue can change the whole painting.
  • His argument lacked nuance, making it seem harsh.
  • You can hear a nuance of sarcasm in his tone.
  • The chef adjusted the sauce to add a nuance of spice.
  • Reading the poem, I sensed a nuance of hope.
  • Even the smallest nuance in the design matters.

Similar words

subtlety
shade
nicety
fine distinction
delicacy
tint

Sensitivity to subtle differences

noun
everyday
neutral
The ability to notice or express fine shades of meaning or feeling.

Examples

  • His nuance for language makes him an excellent translator.
  • The critic praised the film for its nuance.
  • She showed great nuance when discussing the delicate topic.
  • A writer with nuance can convey complex emotions subtly.
  • The teacher encouraged students to develop nuance in their analysis.
  • His nuance allowed him to detect the hidden meaning.
  • The musician's performance was full of nuance.

Similar words

perceptiveness
discernment
sensitivity
acuity

Subtle quality

noun
everyday
neutral
A faint, delicate quality that makes something only slightly different or refined.

Examples

  • The painting has a subtle nuance of green.
  • Her speech contained a gentle nuance of hope.
  • A nuance of bitterness lingered in the coffee.
  • The novel's nuance makes it stand out among others.
  • Even the smallest nuance can affect perception.
  • The actor's performance was rich with nuance.
  • The fabric's nuance gave it a luxurious feel.

Similar words

delicacy
refinement
subtlety
shade

Etymology

From French nuance (18th c.), ultimately from Latin nūbēs “cloud”, reflecting the idea of subtle gradations like those in clouds.

FAQ

What does nuance mean?

Nuance refers to a slight difference or a subtle quality in meaning, feeling, color, or sound.

How can I use nuance in a sentence?

You can say, “The painting’s nuance of blue adds depth,” to highlight a fine detail.

What are common synonyms for nuance?

Synonyms include subtlety, shade, refinement, and delicacy.

Why is nuance important in communication?

Because it helps convey precise feelings and meanings that plain words might miss.

Is there a verb form of nuance?

The verb “to nuance” is informal and often considered incorrect; use “add nuance” instead.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...