Words / C1

NYOO-ahns/ˈnjuːɑːns/

A nuance is a small, precise difference in meaning, tone, or feeling that careful readers notice. Native writers praise nuance when a claim is not black and white. Subtlety is close; a shade of meaning is the everyday paraphrase. Nuanced is the adjective: a nuanced view. Do not use nuance for any difference — only a fine one.

Meaning

A small difference in meaning, feeling, or colour.

Examples

• “Good writers care about nuance.”
• “The translation missed a nuance in the original joke.”
• “Her review was full of nuance rather than simple praise.”

Good to know

a nuance / nuances. adjective: nuanced. Broader: difference. Close: subtlety.

Near in meaning

subtlety

New