Skip to main content

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.
💡 Concept

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.
🧠 Mnemonic

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.
🎵 Rhyme

Using an advanced lens and keeping her judgment balanced, the professor noticed every nuance in the novel.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈnuːɑːns/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈnjuːɑːns/

🌳Etymology

Rootnu
Suffix--ance

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

dance
chance
glance

🔗Collocations

subtle nuance
capture nuances
lost in nuance
cultural nuances
understand the nuance
nuance of meaning

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“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.”

😄 Fun example

“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

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.