nuance
A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or approach; a fine distinction.
Examples
In a meeting
“There's an important nuance between 'cost-effective' and 'cheap' when talking to clients.”
Over coffee
“He doesn't get the nuance — there's a difference between being honest and being blunt.”
Why this word
subtlety
Nuance refers to a specific slight variation in meaning or tone, while subtlety is the quality of being subtle in general
detail
Nuance emphasizes fine distinctions in meaning or expression, while detail is any small piece of information without implying delicacy
shade
Nuance is the preferred term in formal analysis for subtle differences, while shade is more informal and less precise
Usage tip
Signals sophistication in thinking. Saying 'there's nuance here' means the topic isn't as simple as it looks. Very useful in debates and discussions.
Etymology
French nuance (shade, subtlety) — from nuer (to shade), from Latin nubes (cloud)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.