Fine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fine
[faɪn ]
Definitions
quality
Of very high quality; very good of its kind.
Synonyms
excellent, first-rate, premium, superb.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fine |
Used to describe something of good quality or someone feeling well. Can also imply subtle or delicate characteristics.
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| excellent |
Used to describe something that is of very high quality or outstanding. Often used in formal contexts.
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| superb |
Expresses something that is exceptionally good or excellent. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
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| first-rate |
Indicates the highest quality or level. Usually used in more formal or professional settings.
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| premium |
Implying superior quality, often associated with higher price or exclusivity. Commonly used in marketing or product descriptions.
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Examples of usage
- The fine china is displayed in the dining room.
- She has a fine collection of vintage books.
- The fine details of the painting are exquisite.
degree
In a satisfactory or pleasing manner.
Synonyms
adequately, satisfactorily, well.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fine |
Often used to denote something of good or acceptable quality, but not excellent. It can also mean good health or good quality in an informal setting.
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| well |
Used to describe something done in a good or thorough manner. It is often used to indicate high quality or good health.
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| adequately |
Used when something is acceptable in quality or amount, but not outstanding. It suggests that the minimum standard has been met.
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| satisfactorily |
Used to describe something that meets the requirements or expectations, often implying a level of fulfillment.
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Examples of usage
- She did just fine on her exam.
- The project turned out fine in the end.
penalty
A sum of money exacted as a penalty by a court of law or other authority.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fine |
A fine is usually a monetary charge imposed as a punishment for breaking a law or rule. It is typically issued by a governing authority, such as a court or police.
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| penalty |
Penalty is used to describe a punishment or consequence for breaking a rule, law, or contract. It has a negative connotation as it implies a form of retribution or disciplinary action.
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| fee |
Fee commonly refers to a payment made for professional services, membership, or admission. It is a neutral term without negative implications.
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| charge |
Charge can refer to a formal accusation or legal responsibility imposed, or it can mean a monetary amount that needs to be paid for a service or product.
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| levy |
Levy is often used to denote an amount of money imposed by an authority, such as taxes or fines. It is usually official and can be legally mandated.
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Examples of usage
- He had to pay a fine for speeding.
- The company was fined for violating environmental regulations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art
- In the art world, 'fine' refers to a classification of art that includes painting, sculpture, and drawing, distinguishing it from decorative arts.
- Fine arts are often created purely for aesthetic purposes, showcasing an artist's skill and creativity.
- Famous artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, are often described as being of 'fine' quality, showcasing superior technique and emotional depth.
Cultural Usage
- 'Fine' can also mean 'acceptable' in conversational English, as in 'That's fine by me,' indicating agreement.
- In various cultures, the concept of 'fine' can express politeness or indifference, suggesting that everything is okay even when it may not be.
- 'Fine dining' is a term that refers to high-end restaurant experiences, where the service and food quality are very high.
Science
- In physics, a 'fine' structure refers to a small detail in the way particles interact, crucial for understanding atomic behavior.
- The term 'fine' is used in materials science to describe particles or fibers that are very small, affecting their properties and uses, such as fine sand or fine powder.
- Fine motor skills involve the smaller movements of muscles, particularly in the hands and fingers, important for tasks like writing or buttoning a shirt.
Psychology
- From a psychological perspective, feeling 'fine' can often indicate a state of contentment or acceptance in one's emotional state.
- The word can also represent a level of emotional ambivalence, where one feels neither particularly good nor bad.
- Cultural differences influence how people communicate feelings of 'fine'; in some cultures, it's a standard response even if they feel otherwise.
Origin of 'fine'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'fine' comes from the Latin 'finis,' which means 'end' or 'limit,' referring to the quality or highest point of something.
- Historically, the term was often used in trade, especially for high-quality goods such as fine fabrics or fine wine.
- In medieval times, 'fine' was also used in law, originally referring to a payment made to settle a matter, which has evolved into its modern meanings.
The word 'fine' originated from the Old French word 'fin' which meant 'end' or 'boundary'. Over time, it evolved to also mean 'excellent' or 'high quality'. In the 13th century, it started being used to describe something of superior quality. The usage of 'fine' as a penalty or fee came later, around the 15th century, when it was associated with financial penalties imposed by authorities. Today, 'fine' is a versatile word used to describe quality, degree, and penalties in various contexts.