nuance
/ˈnjuːɑːns/
EN
A subtle, slight, or fine distinction or variation in meaning, expression, color, or tone that is not usually obvious on the surface.
She carefully picked up on every nuance of the character's emotional state during her performance.
Etymology
Nuance entered English in the late 18th century, borrowed from French nuance, which originally meant "shade of color" and derived from Latin nubes meaning "cloud". It gradually gained its modern sense of subtle distinction by the early 19th century.
Translations
Related Words
subtletygradationrefinementinflectionhint