DictionaryAI

nuance

SayNYOO-ahns/ˈnju.ɑns/UK/ˈnjuː.ɑːns//ˈnjʉː.ɐːns/

Pluralnuances

Verbnuances, nuancing, nuanced

2 meanings of nuance

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A very small difference in meaning, feeling, or sound that is easy to miss, or care about such small differences.

    The actor played the part with real nuance.

    It took her years to learn all the nuances of the language.

    UsageSay with nuance, or the nuances of a language.

    Similarsubtlety, shade, nicety, refinement

  2. 2
    adjust slightlyverbtransitive
    To change or adjust something in a small, careful way.

    The teacher nuanced her answer after a student asked a good question.

    You may want to nuance that claim before you publish it.

    UsageSay nuance a claim.

    Similarqualify, refine, temper

Practice

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Origin

Taken from the French word nuance, meaning "shade" or "hue".

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts