Definition of nuance
1
: a subtle distinction or variation
Nuances of flavor and fragrance cannot be described accurately …— Scott Seegers … these terms have certain nuances of meaning …— Ben F. Nelms
2
: a subtle quality : nicety
… the nuances of an individual's voice …— Michael Swaine
3
: sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value)
… a performance of remarkable pliability and nuance.— Irvine Kolodin
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of nuance was in 1781
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