finely
Americanadverb
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in a fine manner; excellently; elegantly; delicately; nicely; minutely; subtly.
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in fine particles or pieces.
finely chopped onions.
adverb
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into small pieces; minutely
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precisely or subtly
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splendidly or delicately
Etymology
Origin of finely
First recorded in 1275–1325; from Middle English word fineliche; see fine 1, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It tells, over 230 feet of finely embroidered cloth, the story of the last time England was conquered—the victory of William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026
The process that produces this finely balanced state is known as critical collapse.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026
Marra said the issue was "finely balanced" but he believed oil and gas could be produced in a cleaner way in the UK rather than by importing from abroad.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
Roughly chop the onion by hand, or pulse it briefly in a food processor until finely chopped but not puréed.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
Her hands expertly work through my hair, creating finely defined twists that put the rest of my head to shame.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
