nuance
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nuance
A fine, barely noticeable difference or subtle gradation in meaning, feeling, color, or sound.
In der Diplomatie ist jede Nuance in der Wortwahl von großer Bedeutung.
In diplomacy, every nuance in word choice is of great importance.
'Nuance' is a loanword from French. It is often used in elevated, educated, or formal language to express subtle differences.
Der Übersetzer hat jede Nuance des Originaltextes erfasst.
The translator captured every nuance of the original text.
To emphasize the subtlety of the difference, 'Nuance' (nuance) is often combined with adjectives such as 'fein' (fine), 'subtil' (subtle), 'leicht' (slight), or 'gering' (minor).
Es gibt eine feine Nuance zwischen den beiden Begriffen.
There is a fine nuance between the two terms.
To say where the subtle difference lies, German often uses the preposition 'in' followed by the dative. Typical patterns are 'Nuancen im Ton' (nuances in tone) or 'Nuancen in der Bedeutung' (nuances in meaning).
Er bemerkte eine Nuance von Ironie in ihrer Stimme.
He noticed a nuance of irony in her voice.
quirk / tic
Both words can refer to a very small difference. „Einen Tick“ is colloquial and simply means a small amount, while „Nuance“ emphasizes a fine qualitative distinction, for example in color, sound, or meaning. „Tick“ works for a casual indication of amount; „Nuance“ is suitable for a precise gradation.
Der neue Farbton unterscheidet sich nur durch eine feine Nuance vom alten.
The new shade differs from the old one only by a subtle nuance.
Der neue Farbton ist einen Tick heller als der alte.
The new shade is a tiny bit lighter than the old one.
