Word
nuance
Phoneticsnu·ance, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnuɑns/
UK/njˈuːəns/
Definitions
01a small difference
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a tiny difference in meaning, feeling, or tone that might be hard to see at first.
n. a subtle distinction or variation in meaning, expression, or response. Countable in this sense.
日本語:ニュアンス※
“The actor captured every nuance of the character's sadness without saying a word.”
“A skilled translator must capture the cultural nuances of the original text to ensure the intended tone remains intact for a foreign audience.”
02to make subtle
C2 · Proficiency Academic · Formal
v. to add small details to an idea or statement to make it more accurate or less simple.
v. to give a nuance to; to refine or qualify a statement or position by adding subtle distinctions. Transitive use.
“I would like to nuance my earlier statement so people don't misunderstand me.”
“The researcher attempted to nuance the prevailing theory by introducing variables that had been previously overlooked in the initial studies.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nuance” in context.
Verb
01. appreciate the nuance of the situation
“To be an effective diplomat, you must appreciate the nuance of the situation.”
verb + noun + of + noun
02. capture the nuance
“The translator worked hard to capture the nuance of the original poem.”
verb + noun
03. overlook a nuance
“If you read too quickly, you might overlook a subtle nuance in the legal contract.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. cultural nuance
“Understanding cultural nuance is essential when conducting business abroad.”
adj + noun
05. semantic nuance
“The debate centered on a semantic nuance that changed the entire meaning of the law.”
adj + noun
06. subtle nuance
“The wine critic noted a subtle nuance of oak and vanilla in the vintage.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. lack of nuance
“Critics complained about the film's lack of nuance in its portrayal of the conflict.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. with nuance
“She spoke with nuance, acknowledging that there were valid points on both sides.”
prep + noun
Usage
Countable when referring to specific subtle differences; uncountable when referring to the general quality of complexity. Frequently collocates with verbs like 'capture', 'miss', or 'appreciate'.
Real-World Examples
“It’s a noun that exemplifies the verbal gymnastics that we synonymists enjoy: nuance is ‘a subtle difference in meaning; a fine distinction, inviting a delicate shading of varied connotations.” “She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I'd ever seen on camera.” “Bluesky Facebook WhatsApp Messenger LinkedIn X (Twitter)
Many people recognize that gender – how a person identifies, presents themselves and is perceived – has nuances .” “In its journalism, the Guardian sought to meet tests of importance and proportionality, covering the issue with nuance.” Etymology
Borrowed from French nuance (“nuance, shade, hue”). Several steps omitting from Latin nūbēs. Compare typologically Italian sfumatura (< Latin fūmus).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/nuance
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0