Have you ever tried to tell someone in a business meeting about an important idea or relate a proposal that you feel strongly about, but the person you are talking to just doesn’t seem to get it? There could be various reasons as to why, but sometimes it’s because the right word was not used to carry the message you were hoping to express. This is where nuanced words have value.
The word “nuance” arose from the Latin noun “nubes,” meaning “cloud.” Middle French then used “nue” to refer to a cloud, which then evolved into “nuer” to mean “shade of color.” English then borrowed the word “nuance” from French to mean “shade.”
“Nuance”now refers to a subtle distinction or variation, a subtle quality, or sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings. For example, if you can describe the sky as blue, but depending on the type of day and climate at the time of viewing the sky, you can perhaps use a more nuanced color description such as azure, cobalt, cyan or indigo. Every shade of blue gives a different impression, but they are all blue.
There are many nuanced words that have a similar meaning to the plain or common terms, but leave a different impression. They carry that extra significance and evoke a more intricate feeling or they explain a more complex situation. For example, what is the subtle difference between the word “hide” and the word “conceal?” Both have the same general meaning. To hide something is to keep it out of sight. For instance, a dog can hide a bone, however we wouldn’t say that a dog is concealing a bone. To conceal adds a different shade to the meaning. It refers to the intentional withholding from sight, refusing to divulge and implies intent with a plan. A person can conceal his or her identity or a person can conceal their secret plans for a company project. The meaning is much deeper and the intent of the action much more thought out.
Another example would be to “tell” you an idea versus to “convey” an idea. If I tell you an idea, I merely relay the information. I would be uttering words without much concern on how they are being perceived. However, if I convey an idea, I would be making the idea not only known, but also understandable. I would explain the information in such a way that it would carry meaning to the recipient. This example goes to show that nuanced words, used at the right time, and in the proper manner can make a significant difference when communicating.
They are also useful when expressing our feelings, because our feelings are varied and complex. We are more than just happy, sad or angry. We can be elated, distraught or livid. Each word adds a different degree and dimension to the feeling. When expressed, the other person gets a deeper message and perhaps a greater understanding of what we are experiencing.
If you already have a command of the English language, but would like to add more powerful words to your vocabulary, then learning and using nuanced words should be one of your goals. Just be sure you also learn how to use them and in what tone you should deliver them in. As a result, you’ll be able to convey your ideas more efficiently and elicit the reactions you expect from the people whom you are talking to. As an added bonus, you will sound more advanced when speaking English and leave a better impression!
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