adjective
fine
Made up of very small or delicate distinctions.
The two plans differ in fine details that are easy to miss.
Etymology
The older adjective concerns refinement. Applied to distinctions, fine means reduced to small, delicate differences that demand close attention to recognize.
More examples
- She draws a fine distinction between being careful and being afraid.
- We discuss the finer points of the agreement.
- The fabric has a fine weave that feels smooth.
Forms
fine · finer · finest
finely adverb — With great precision or delicate detail.
fineness noun — The quality of being delicate or precise.