finely
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈaɪnli/
US
- /ˈfaɪnli/
Description
- into very small pieces
- in a very thin way
- with careful detail
- in a delicate way
"Finely" is often used when something is made very small, very thin, or very detailed. Think of a cook finely chopping onions or finely grinding pepper. It can also describe careful detail, like a finely carved pattern or a finely woven cloth.
Sometimes it shows a delicate balance or a small difference. If something is finely balanced, it could easily go one way or another. The word often adds the feeling of care, small detail, or delicate control.
The word "finely" is an adverb that usually describes something done in a very small, thin, careful, or detailed way. In everyday English, it often appears when talking about food and texture. A recipe may ask you to finely chop herbs, finely grate cheese, or finely grind coffee. In these cases, the idea is simple: the pieces are made very small.
It also appears when people talk about detail and careful work. Someone might describe a finely carved box, a finely drawn line, or a finely woven fabric. Here, the word suggests delicate detail and careful control rather than speed or force.
"Finely" can also be used in more abstract ways. If a situation is finely balanced, it is balanced so delicately that even a small change could affect the result. If someone makes a finely judged comment, they have chosen their words with care and accuracy.
So the word often carries one of two main ideas: something reduced to very small parts, or something handled with delicate, careful detail. In both cases, it gives a sense of precision without being loud about it.
Examples
- 1
Cooking
Chop the garlic finely before you add it to the sauce.
- 2
Craftsmanship
The wooden box was finely carved with birds and leaves.
- 3
Visual detail
The model was so finely detailed that it looked almost real.
- 4
Political situation
The election result left the country in a finely balanced situation.
Phrase
finely balanced
delicate, so a small change could upset it
- 5
Mechanical setup
The engine needs to be finely tuned before the race.
Phrase
finely tuned
adjusted very carefully for the best result
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- finelyadverb