C1nounformallanguagearts
US/ˈnuː.ɑːns/
UK/ˈnjuː.ɑːns/
a very small difference in meaning, tone, color or feeling
In context
The translator captured every nuance of the original poem.
There is a subtle nuance between "annoyed" and "furious" in this sentence.
The debate lacked nuance, reducing a complex issue to a slogan.
Words that go with nuance
adjective + noun
- subtle nuanceLearners often miss the subtle nuance of a polite request.
- cultural nuanceCultural nuance matters in international negotiations.
verb + noun
- miss the nuanceIf you read the summary only, you may miss the nuance.
- capture the nuanceThe essay captures the nuance of the argument.
- lack nuanceHeadlines often lack nuance.
noun + preposition
- nuance of meaningDictionaries show each nuance of meaning with examples.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
nuance of two wordsCorrect: nuance between two words