nuance — a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or response
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or response
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnuːɑːns/
Example Sentences
- My mom can detect every nuance in my voice when I lie about cleaning my room.
- The translator struggled to convey the nuances of the Korean honorific system.
- There's a nuance between 'I'm fine' and 'I'm FINE' that every boyfriend should learn.
nuance
NOUN[/ˈnuːɑːns/]
a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or response

A tiny shift in her smile carried a nuance he almost missed.

The painting captured the subtle nuance of light passing through the layered clouds.

Using an advanced lens and keeping her judgment balanced, the professor noticed every nuance in the novel.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'nuance', derived from Old French 'nuer' meaning 'to shade' or 'to cloud', which comes from Latin 'nubis' meaning 'cloud'. The word originally referred to subtle variations in color or shading.
Breakdown
French 'nuer' (to shade, from Latin nubis 'cloud') + -ance (noun suffix) = nuance (a subtle shade or variation)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom can detect every nuance in my voice when I lie about cleaning my room.”
“The translator struggled to convey the nuances of the Korean honorific system.”
“There's a nuance between 'I'm fine' and 'I'm FINE' that every boyfriend should learn.”
“The artist's painting captured the nuances of light at different times of day.”
📚Related Words
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