smallest nuance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smallest nuance" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a subtle or minor difference in meaning, tone, or feeling. Example: The politician's speech was carefully crafted, every word considered to convey the exact message and the smallest nuances of the argument.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ms. Winslet is an amazing actress who transparently conveys the heroine's smallest nuance of feeling, be it shame, irritation, motherly love, anger, sorrow and, once she meets her dashing upper-class lover, Monty (Guy Pearce), lust.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Sofia is attentive to the smallest nuances.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is an extraordinary piece of journalism and a virtuoso display of technique, as if Ms. Smith had turned her whole body into a kind of recording machine, able to reproduce an encounter and its smallest nuances with breathtaking fidelity.

The New York Times

I don't think they care about what somebody said yesterday about some small nuance of some issue".

The New York Times

Sites will speculate endlessly about teasers and report breathlessly about each small nuance ahead of launch.

TechCrunch

But the other point of confusion here is a seemingly small nuance critical to advancing the debate.

TechCrunch

qThere is a small nuance to this argument which is elaborated in the first paragraph of footnote 21. rThere are also practical reasons consent ought to be sought.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

There could be something, some small nuance, that you can graft onto your own leadership style, and that can make you more effective.

Forbes

You've got 20-30 minute long tracks with all this repetition, but with all this small nuance happening.

Vice

He said the rocket motor configuration had not changed on this flight and characterized the new fuel as "a small nuance to the design".

Huffington Post

"She brings to the table a lot of small nuances that are embedded culturally," Mr. Lin said of his wife, who has also encouraged him to serve tea to his elders and refer to older people as aunty and uncle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "smallest nuance" to emphasize the importance of even the most subtle details, especially in contexts where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "smallest nuance" when describing something that is actually a significant or obvious difference. It's reserved for genuinely subtle distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smallest nuance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As noted by Ludwig AI, it accurately conveys the concept of a subtle distinction. It is usually used to describe something that is very delicate or almost imperceptible.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smallest nuance" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to emphasize the significance of even the most subtle details. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and refers to minor differences in meaning, tone, or feeling. Although its frequency is relatively rare, with contexts spanning News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains, it is best employed when precision and attention to detail are paramount. Remember to use this phrase when highlighting subtle distinctions, and avoid overstating the significance of genuinely obvious differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subtlest distinction

Emphasizes the fine and delicate nature of the difference.

Slightest variation

Focuses on the minor degree of change or difference.

Finest shade

Highlights the delicate and almost imperceptible quality of the difference.

Tiniest detail

Points out the extremely small and specific aspect being considered.

Minute difference

Stresses the insignificance or smallness of the distinction.

Barely perceptible change

Highlights how difficult it is to notice the difference.

Faintest suggestion

Focuses on the slight and indirect nature of the indication.

Subtle hint

Emphasizes the indirectness and delicacy of the clue.

Marginal aspect

Refers to a detail of minor importance.

Minimal particularity

Highlights the slight and specific nature of the detail.

FAQs

How can I use "smallest nuance" in a sentence?

Use "smallest nuance" to describe a very subtle difference or detail, such as, "The critic appreciated the actor's ability to convey the "smallest nuance" of emotion."

What's a good substitute for "smallest nuance"?

Depending on the context, you could use "slightest variation", "tiniest detail", or "subtlest distinction" as alternatives to "smallest nuance".

Is it better to say "slight nuance" or "smallest nuance"?

Both "slight nuance" and "smallest nuance" are acceptable, but "smallest nuance" emphasizes an even finer level of detail or difference.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "smallest nuance"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that you are focusing on the most subtle and often overlooked aspects of something, indicating a high degree of precision or sensitivity.