nuance

Intermediatezipf 3.09

Pronunciation

/ˈnjuːɑːns/(NYOO-ahns)

Part of speech

nounformal

Chinese

细微差别；微妙之处

Definition

A subtle difference in meaning, expression, sound, or quality.

Word family

nuanced/ˈnjuːɑːnst/(adj)有细微差别的/深入细致的

Collocations

subtle nuance
cultural nuances
nuanced understanding
nuanced view

Examples

1.His analysis captured the nuances of the political debate. (subtle distinctions)
2.A nuanced understanding of the issue requires years of study. (adj: sophisticated, detailed)

Synonyms

subtlety/ˈsʌtlti/— fine distinction
shade/ʃeɪd/— slight variation
refinement/rɪˈfaɪnmənt/— fine-tuned detail

Etymology

from French "nuer" = to shade — like subtle shades of color