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.
A spoonful of finely chopped chipotles in adobo follows, along with black beans and fire-roasted corn, available in the freezer section of the supermarket.
From Salon • May 19, 2026
Each piece reads like a finely crafted essay, enriched by astute literary references and poignant observations.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
I have a finely tuned Twitter algorithm that surfaces any kind of drama on the right really quickly.
From Slate • May 7, 2026
He said "protecting free speech while preventing harassment, hate speech, and radicalisation are complex tasks involving finely balanced decisions".
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026
A large, finely woven bamboo basket as tall as Minli’s waist stood next to the chairs.
From "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
