What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nuance
Example
The nuance of the word 'love' can vary depending on the context. [nuance: noun]
Example
She spoke with a nuance of sadness in her voice. [nuance: verb]
subtlety
Example
The subtlety of the painting's brushstrokes added depth and texture. [subtlety: noun]
Example
He used subtlety to convey his message without being too direct. [subtlety: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nuance and subtlety are both relatively formal words that may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. However, nuance is more commonly used in the context of language, communication, or interpretation, while subtlety can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nuance and subtlety?
Both nuance and subtlety are relatively formal words that may not be appropriate in all contexts. However, nuance is generally considered more formal and precise, while subtlety can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
