fine Hear it!

fine1 definition

fine (fīn)

adjective finer fin′er, finest fin′·est

  1. Obsolete finished; perfected
  2. superior in quality; better than average; excellent; very good a fine sample
  3. of exceptional character or ability a fine teacher
  4. with no impurities; refined
  5. containing a specified proportion of pure metal: said usually of gold or silver
  6. in good health; very well
  7. clear and bright: said of the weather
    1. not heavy or gross
    2. not coarse; in very small particles fine sand
    1. very thin or slender fine thread
    2. very small fine print
  8. sharp; keen a knife with a fine edge
    1. discriminating; subtle fine distinctions
    2. involving precise accuracy a fine adjustment
  9. of delicate or subtle composition or character fine lace
  10. Now Rare attractive; handsome a fine child
  11. trained and developed physically to the maximum extent: said of athletes, horses, etc.
    1. elegant
    2. too elegant; showy fine writing

Etymology: ME fin < OFr < ML finus, for L finis, an end, limit: see finish

adverb finer fin′er, finest fin′·est

  1. finely
  2. Informal very well; all right

transitive verb, intransitive verb fined, fining fin′·ing

to make or become fine or finer
fine2 definition

fine (fīn)

noun

  1. a finish; end; conclusion: obs. except in in fine (see phrase below)
  2. a sum of money paid to settle a matter; esp., a sum required to be paid as punishment or penalty for an offense

Etymology: ME < OFr fin < L finis: see finish

transitive verb fined, fining fin′·ing

to require the payment of a fine from
fine Idioms

in fine

  1. in conclusion
  2. in brief
fine3 definition

fine ()

noun

Musical Direction the end: a note marking the close of a repetition

Etymology: It < L finis: see finish

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.
Related Discussions (2)
TopicRepliesLatest Post
semolina - from "bran" or "fine flour"?25 months ago
The world's in a fine pickle86 years ago

Browse Forums