French Conversation · Level 12
90 words
French word
nuance
Pronunciation
IPA/nɥɑ̃s/
Meaning
- feminine nounsubtle difference
Example
Il y a une nuance entre ces deux couleurs.
There is a subtle difference between these two colors.
More examples
On entend une nuance dans sa voix.
You can hear a subtle difference in his voice.
Core concept
A small shift in shade or meaning that separates one close possibility from another.
Common phrases
une nuance de couleur
a subtle difference in color
une nuance subtile
a subtle distinction
Similar words
différence: A difference between two things.
ton: The mood or manner shown in speech or expression.
subtilité: A fine detail or quality that is difficult to notice.
Definition in French
Variation subtile qui distingue deux éléments, surtout au niveau du sens ou de l'expression.
Word origin
The French noun nuance comes through Old French from a term for shading and is ultimately connected with Latin nubes, "cloud."
Usage tips
- The related verb nuancer commonly means to qualify or soften a statement, as in nuancer une opinion, not merely to add a color shade.