Nuance

medium

NOO-ahnss

noun

Definition

A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound

Examples

The translation failed to capture the nuances of the original text.
She understood the subtle nuances of political negotiation.

Synonyms

subtletydistinctionrefinementgradation

Antonyms

obviousnessbluntnesscrudenessblatancy

Categories

GRE Tip

Nuance is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "subtlety" or "distinction" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "obviousness".

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