nuance
/ˈnjuːɑːns
/noun
A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound: he was familiar with the nuances of the local dialect...
- It's not a point of view I've ever heard before, and I may not entirely have got the subtler nuances of it.
- In short, he's learning subtle nuances.
- To them, I say, you obviously don't appreciate the subtle comedic nuances of Question Time.
Synonyms
fine distinction, subtle distinction/difference, shade, shading, gradation, variation, modulation, degree;
subtlety, nicety, refinement, overtone
verb [with object]
Give nuances to: the effect of the music is nuanced by the social situation of listeners...
- Each mood and move is perfectly underscored and nuanced by sensitively composed music.
- So, yes, they talk around the edges - nuancing this, quibbling with that - as they search for an edge in an election year.
- Of course, a ‘blanket ban’ on drinking on public transport will be nuanced much like the smoking ban was.
Origin
Late 18th century: from French, 'shade, subtlety', from nuer 'to shade', based on Latin nubes 'cloud'.