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.
For more heat, add a spoon of chili crisp and finely chopped green chilis.
From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2026
A summary of the panel's decision said the panel "concluded in a finely balanced decision" that Pearson met the test for release.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
The new mosasaur was larger, possessed finely serrated teeth rarely seen in mosasaurs, and came from a different place and time period.
From Science Daily ● May 23, 2026
Each piece reads like a finely crafted essay, enriched by astute literary references and poignant observations.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026
Ruben, a lanky, light-skinned Dominican with a finely trimmed goatee, rained thundering blasts down on the kit, while his brother Kaz came in with a suave tuk-tuk-tuking on the congas.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
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.
