ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fine

adj. · n. · v. · adv. · interj.
US //ˈfaɪn// fine
  1. 1 good or healthy (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    feeling well, healthy, or happy enough.

    referring to a state of satisfactory health or personal well-being.

    Example

    I was a bit sick yesterday, but I feel fine now.

    Example

    Despite the long flight and the lack of sleep, she insisted she felt fine and was ready to begin the negotiations immediately.
  2. 2 high quality (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    of very high quality or very impressive.

    denoting superior quality, skill, or excellence.

    Example

    The hotel serves fine wines and local cheeses in the evening.

    Example

    The museum houses a collection of fine art that spans several centuries of European history.
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  1. 3 thin or delicate (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    made of very small pieces or having a very thin shape.

    consisting of small particles or having a very thin, delicate diameter or texture.

    Example

    You need a very fine needle to sew this silk fabric.

    Example

    The beach was famous for its incredibly fine white sand, which felt like powder beneath our feet.
  2. 4 legal penalty (n.)
    A2 Elementary Law

    money that you have to pay as a punishment for breaking a rule or law.

    a financial penalty imposed by a court or other authority for an offence or breach of regulation.

    Example

    He had to pay a fifty-dollar fine for parking his car in the wrong place.

    Example

    The company faced a substantial fine after an investigation revealed they had violated environmental safety protocols.
  3. 5 the end of a song (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

    the place where a piece of music ends.

    the word or symbol marking the conclusion of a musical movement or piece.

    Example

    The choir stopped singing when they reached the fine marked on the page.

    Example

    The conductor reminded the orchestra to observe the 'da capo al fine' instruction, ensuring they returned to the beginning before finishing at the designated mark.
  4. 6 to punish with money (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    to make someone pay money because they broke a rule.

    to impose a financial penalty on someone as a consequence of an illegal or prohibited act.

    Example

    The police fined her for driving too fast on the motorway.

    Example

    The regulatory body has the power to fine any firm that fails to protect its customers' private data.
  5. 7 well (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    in a way that is good or satisfactory.

    in a satisfactory or successful manner.

    Example

    Everything is going fine with the new project so far.

    Example

    The engine seems to be running fine now that the mechanic has replaced the spark plugs.
  6. 8 reluctant agreement (interj.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    a word you use to say 'yes' even if you are not very happy about it.

    used to express agreement or acceptance, often with a tone of resignation or mild annoyance.

    Example

    Fine, I will do the dishes if you promise to cook tomorrow.

    Example

    Fine, have it your way, but don't come complaining to me when the plan fails.
Idioms6 entries

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