Langimage
English

finely

|fine/ly|

B2

/ˈfaɪnli/

(fine)

high quality; penalty

Base FormPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounNoun
finefinesfinesfinesfinedfinedfiningfinerfinestfinenessfinenesses
Etymology
Etymology Information

'finely' originates from the Old English word 'fīne,' where 'fīn' meant 'end' or 'limit.'

Historical Evolution

'fīne' transformed into the Middle English word 'fin,' and eventually became the modern English word 'fine.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'end' or 'limit,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'delicate' or 'precise.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a very delicate or precise manner.

The artist finely detailed the portrait.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 2

into very small pieces.

The onions were finely chopped for the salad.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39