What is finely? Pronunciation and usage in English

finely means . Learn how to pronounce and use finely through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of finely

finelyadverb

/ˈfʌɪnli/
Definition & pronunciation of finely

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "finely" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • fin - pronounced like "fin" as in "fish"
  • ley - pronounced like "lee" as in "leaf"

2. Putting it Together:

  • "fin" as in "fin" - This is fairly straightforward.
  • "Lee" - This is the tricky part. You need to make the "ee" sound as in "see" but slightly shorter and more clipped. It's almost like you're saying "lie" but with the 'ee' sound.

3. The Combined Sound:

The entire word is pronounced something like: "fin-lee" (with a slight pause between the syllables)

4. Tips & Nuances:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable - "FIN-ly."
  • Don't over-elongate the "lee": Resist the urge to say “lee-ee” - that’s too long. Keep it short and clipped.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. The best way to get it right is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:

To summarize, focus on a quick, clipped "lee" sound after the "fin" syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Record myself saying "finely"?
  • Give you more examples of similar words?

Usage and examples with the word finely in English

Let's break down how to use the word "finely" in English. It's a bit tricky because it's an adverb, but it can act like an adjective sometimes. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As an Adverb (Most Common Use)

  • Meaning: "Finely" primarily means "in a delicate, subtle, or precise way." It describes how something is done or is made. It suggests high quality, attention to detail, and a refined approach.

  • Examples:

    • "She finely ground the spices." (Meaning: She ground them very carefully and with precision.)
    • "The artist finely painted the details of the portrait." (Meaning: The artist paid close attention to and executed the details with skill.)
    • "He finely tuned the engine." (Meaning: He adjusted it with great care and precision.)
    • "The chef finely chopped the vegetables." (Meaning: He cut them into very small, neat pieces.)
    • "The watchmaker finely assembled the tiny parts." (Meaning: He assembled the parts with great skill and care.)

2. As an Adjective (Less Common, but Possible – Often in Comparisons)

  • Meaning: “Finely” can sometimes be used to describe something as being of high quality or delicate. It's often found in comparisons. It's modifying a noun.

  • Examples:

    • "Finely crafted furniture" (Meaning: The furniture is made with great skill and attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality product.)
    • "Finely marbled cheese" (Meaning: The cheese has beautiful, swirling patterns of different colors – a sign of good quality and aging.)
    • “A finely aged wine.” (Meaning: The wine has been allowed to mature to a very high quality.)
    • “Finely made cloth” (Meaning: Of high quality)

Important Notes & Distinctions:

  • “Fine” vs. “Finely”: "Fine" on its own can mean "small" or "good." "Finely" adds the adverbial quality, describing how something is done or is made.

  • Stronger Adverbs: Consider alternatives that might be more precise depending on the context. For example, instead of "finely ground," you could say "carefully ground," "meticulously ground," or "precisely ground."

  • Formal Tone: "Finely" leans toward a more formal or sophisticated writing style.

Here's a table to summarize:

Function Meaning Example
Adverb In a delicate, precise way "He finely adjusted the microphone."
Adjective Of high quality, delicate "A finely embroidered scarf."

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., describing food, art, craftsmanship, etc.)
  • Can you provide a sentence where you’re considering using “finely”?

Synonyms for the word finely

Practice with vocabulary finely

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The architect's model was _____ detailed, showcasing every structural element with precision.
  2. For optimal performance, the delicate instruments must be _____ calibrated.
  3. The team worked _____ to ensure all aspects of the project were covered.
  4. His understanding of the complex legal framework was surprisingly _____.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The artisan's work demonstrated exceptional precision; each detail was _____ crafted. a) crudely b) finely c) roughly d) poorly

  2. The chef insisted the herbs be _____ chopped to release their full aroma. a) broadly b) finely c) thickly d) coarsely

  3. For the scientific experiment, the scales needed to be _____ balanced to detect minute changes. a) precisely b) loosely c) finely d) vaguely

  4. Which word best describes someone who performs a task with great care and attention to detail? a) careless b) diligent c) hasty d) indifferent

  5. The new system was implemented _____ across all departments, leading to immediate improvements. a) poorly b) smoothly c) erratically d) chaotically

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The success of the project depended on the incredibly detailed planning. -> Rewrite using "finely".

  2. To prepare the delicate sauce, the herbs must be cut into extremely small pieces. -> Rewrite using "finely".

  3. Despite the tight deadline, the team completed the report with exceptional accuracy. -> Rewrite, avoiding "finely".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. finely
  2. finely
  3. diligently (or meticulously, thoroughly)
  4. profound (or deep, comprehensive)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) finely
  2. b) finely
  3. a) precisely, c) finely
  4. b) diligent
  5. b) smoothly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The success of the project depended on the finely detailed planning. (or The planning for the project was finely detailed.)
  2. To prepare the delicate sauce, the herbs must be finely chopped.
  3. Despite the tight deadline, the team completed the report accurately. (or ...completed the report with great accuracy / precisely.)

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