fine
fine1 definition
fine (fīn)
adjective finer fin′er, finest fin′·est
- Obsolete finished; perfected
- superior in quality; better than average; excellent; very good a fine sample
- of exceptional character or ability a fine teacher
- with no impurities; refined
- containing a specified proportion of pure metal: said usually of gold or silver
- in good health; very well
- clear and bright: said of the weather
- not heavy or gross
- not coarse; in very small particles fine sand
- very thin or slender fine thread
- very small fine print
- sharp; keen a knife with a fine edge
- discriminating; subtle fine distinctions
- involving precise accuracy a fine adjustment
- of delicate or subtle composition or character fine lace
- Now Rare attractive; handsome a fine child
- trained and developed physically to the maximum extent: said of athletes, horses, etc.
- elegant
- too elegant; showy fine writing
Etymology: ME fin < OFr < ML finus, for L finis, an end, limit: see finish
fine2 definition
fine (fīn)
noun
- a finish; end; conclusion: obs. except in in fine (see phrase below)
- 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
fine Idioms
in fine
- in conclusion
- in brief
fine3 definition
fine (fē′nā)
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.
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