fine
ly
1
in a highly skilled or excellent manner
- The novel was finely written, with each scene perfectly balanced.
- The violinist played the concerto finely, evoking a standing ovation.
- The watch was finely assembled by a master horologist.
- The speech was finely delivered, holding the audience in rapt attention.
- Each movement of the dancer was finely executed with perfect grace.
2
into very small or thin parts
- Chop the parsley finely before adding it to the soup.
- The onions were finely diced to blend into the sauce.
- The carrots must be finely grated for the salad.
- Finely ground coffee beans make a stronger brew.
- The herbs were finely crushed with a mortar and pestle.
Antonyms:
3
with excessive attention to subtle distinctions or degrees
- He tends to argue too finely over semantics.
- The grading rubric judged the essays too finely.
- We may be drawing the line too finely between the terms.
- The distinction was so finely made it lost meaning.
- They measured the success of the project a bit too finely.
4
in a way that shows delicate responsiveness or emotional awareness
- She was finely tuned to the room's shifting mood.
- The conductor responded finely to the orchestra's dynamics.
- His response was finely measured and thoughtful.
- The therapist listened finely to each concern.
- A finely attuned ear is needed to catch such tones.
Synonyms: