fine
fine Lexical Profile
fine Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of very high quality; very good of its kind, worthy of admiration.
"The vineyard is renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the region."
In good health and feeling well, or in a satisfactory, acceptable state.
"She assured the doctor that she was feeling fine after a full night of rest."
Consisting of very small particles; thin, slender, or delicate in thread, grain, or texture.
"The beaches along the coast are famous for their stretches of fine white sand."
Clear, bright, and free of rain or clouds.
"We decided to hold the graduation ceremony outdoors since the weather remained fine."
Subtle, precise, or hard to discern; requiring careful discrimination.
"The legal scholar drew a fine distinction between negligence and recklessness."
• adverb
In a satisfactory, acceptable, or pleasing manner; very well.
"The new software update works fine on older computers."
Into very small particles or with a very narrow margin.
"We were cutting it fine, arriving at the train station just two minutes before departure."
• noun
A sum of money exacted as a penalty by a court of law or other authority for an offense or breach of rules.
"The municipality imposed a heavy fine on the factory for violating environmental regulations."
Very small particles found in mining, milling, or winemaking (usually used in the plural).
"The filtration system is designed to remove coal fines from the wastewater before discharge."
• verb
To punish an offender by requiring the payment of a sum of money for an offense or rule violation.
"The library will fine patrons who fail to return borrowed materials by the due date."
To clarify beer or wine by adding a substance that causes suspended particles to settle.
"Winemakers often fine red wines with egg whites to soften harsh tannins and improve clarity."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a predicate adjective in response to a question or proposal, 'fine' often conveys mere adequacy or reluctant acquiescence rather than genuine enthusiasm.
• Rhymes for fine
Word Origin & Etymology
The adjective and adverb derive via Old French 'fin' from Latin 'finis' ('end' or 'limit'), originally signifying the culmination or peak of quality. The noun and verb derive via Old French 'fin' ('settlement' or 'payment') from the same Latin root, referring to a payment made to end or settle a legal dispute.