Nuanced

/ˈnuːɑːnst/ or /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ adjective

Definition

Having subtle differences, gradations, or layers of meaning that are not obvious at first sight.

Etymology

From nuance, a French word meaning 'shade' or 'subtle difference,' derived from Old French nuer meaning 'to shade.' Ultimately from Latin nubis meaning 'cloud,' referring to subtle shadings of color.

Kelly Says

A truly nuanced conversation about complex issues like politics or ethics requires holding multiple contradictory ideas at once—which is why it's so mentally challenging but also where real wisdom lives.

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