Word
nuance
Meanings
a small, subtle difference in meaning, feeling, or expression
a fine shade or slight variation of color, sound, or style
Definition
A nuance is a small but important difference in meaning, feeling, or style.
A nuance is a subtle detail that changes how something is understood. It can be a small difference in meaning between similar words, or a slight change in tone or emotion in someone’s voice or writing. Paying attention to nuance helps you communicate more precisely and avoid misunderstandings.
Examples
- There is a nuance in her voice that suggests she is worried.
- The two translations differ in nuance, even if the main idea is the same.
- He missed the nuance of the joke and took it seriously.
- Good writers use nuance to make characters feel real.