nuance

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

Etymology

Borrowed from French nuance (“nuance, shade, hue”). Omitting several steps, from Latin nūbēs. Compare typologically Italian sfumatura (< Latin fūmus).

In classic literature

Synonyms

nicety, shade, subtlety, refinement

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