nuance etymology

Etymology:

• Late Middle English: from Old French nuance, from Medieval Latin nuantia, from Latin nuo ("nod," "toss," "lean")

Meaning:

• A subtle difference or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

Origin:

The Latin verb nuo originally meant "to nod" or "to toss." Over time, it acquired a figurative sense of "to lean" or "to incline."

In Medieval Latin, nuantia was used to describe a subtle shift or variation, such as a change in tone of voice or a slight shade of color.

The Old French word nuance borrowed this sense and was subsequently adopted into English in the late Middle English period.

Usage:

The word "nuance" is often used to refer to subtle differences or gradations in:

• Meaning
• Expression
• Tone
• Color
• Sound

Example:

"The director captured the subtle nuances of the character's emotions in every scene."

nuance relate terms

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