The history of nuance dates to early Latin with the noun nūbēs, meaning “cloud.” Once it made its way into Middle French, the noun evolved to the noun nue and then to the verb nuer, which meant “to make shades of color.” Eventually, the English borrowed the word nuance from the French in the 18th century, understanding it to mean “a subtle distinction or variation,” which is the definition used today. To say something has nuance or is nuanced suggests it has several layers or angles of meaning, such as a painting with various gradations or shades.
The word nuance refers to “a subtle or slight difference in sound, feeling, meaning, or appearance.” Pronounced NOO-ahns, it’s often used as a noun to describe the finer, more delicate aspects of something, especially in language, writing, or interpretation. Grammarly helps you avoid plagiarism Write with Grammarly What does nuance mean?
