nuance.

1. A small but meaningful difference in meaning, expression, or quality.

2. To modify an account or claim by introducing finer distinctions.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• nuance of meaning
• subtle nuance

On the page

The translation preserves the nuance of her refusal.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Singular nuance; plural nuances. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: analysis, qualification. Commonness: moderately common. Third-person singular: nuances.