NUANCE

ETYMOLOGY

from French, nuance "shade, subtlety," from nuer "to shade," based on Latin nubes ‘cloud.’

First known use: 1781

noun

• a very small or subtle difference in color, tone, meaning, sound, etc.
• a subtle quality

-sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value)

-verb: [with object] give nuances to

“The artist is the confidant of nature, flowers carry on dialogues with him through the graceful bending of their stems and the harmoniously tinted nuances of their blossoms. Every flower has a cordial word which nature directs towards him.”
- Auguste Rodin

It is amazing how even the most strikingly similar of twins have their own nuances-- proof that no two people are exactly the same.

A skilled composer ensures that his or her music contains elements of nuance that trickle the ears (and perhaps, hearts) of the audience.

The painter nuanced his piece with various brush strokes to emphasise the inner turmoil he had experienced.

sources:

• http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ nuance
• http://thinkexist.com/ quotes/with/keyword/nuance
• http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/nuance