noun
nuance
NYOO-ahns
Nuance (noun) means a subtle difference or shade of meaning, feeling, or tone. Example: “A good translator captures the nuances of the original text.”
noun
1
A subtle difference or shade of meaning, feeling, or tone.
"A good translator captures the nuances of the original text."
"There's a nuance between "confident" and "arrogant" that's easy to miss."
How to use nuance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, subtle detail that changes the meaning or feel of something.
Common pairings
subtle nuance
catch the nuance
nuances of meaning
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Word forms
- Plural
- nuances
- Third person singular
- nuances
- Past tense
- nuanced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A good translator captures the _____ of the original text.
Etymology
Borrowed from French nuance, "shade" or "hue," ultimately traced back to Latin nubes, "cloud."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for nuance
See all rhymes for nuance →Frequently asked questions
What does “nuance” mean?
The word “nuance” means a subtle difference or shade of meaning, feeling, or tone. In plain terms, a small, subtle detail that changes the meaning or feel of something.
How do you pronounce “nuance”?
“Nuance” is pronounced NYOO-ahns (/ˈnju.ɑns/ in IPA).
How do you use “nuance” in a sentence?
Here is “nuance” used in a sentence: “A good translator captures the nuances of the original text.”
What part of speech is “nuance”?
“Nuance” is a noun.
Where does the word “nuance” come from?
The word “nuance” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French nuance, "shade" or "hue," ultimately traced back to Latin nubes, "cloud.".
