fine

fine

fine¹ [fīn]

adj.

finer, finest [ME fin < OFr < ML finus, for L finis, an end, limit: see FINISH]

1. Obs. 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

8.

a) not heavy or gross

b) not coarse; in very small particles [fine sand]

9.

a) very thin or slender [fine thread]

b) very small [fine print]

10. sharp; keen [a knife with a fine edge]

11.

a) discriminating; subtle [fine distinctions]

b) involving precise accuracy [a fine adjustment]

12. of delicate or subtle composition or character [fine lace]

13. Now Rare attractive; handsome [a fine child]

14. trained and developed physically to the maximum extent: said of athletes, horses, etc.

15.

a) elegant

b) too elegant; showy [fine writing]

adv.

finer, finest

1. FINELY

2. Informal very well; all right

vt., vi.

fined, fining

to make or become fine or finer

fine² [fīn]

n.

[ME < OFr fin < L finis: see FINISH]

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

vt.

fined, fining

to require the payment of a fine from

——————

in fine

1. in conclusion

2. in brief

fine³ [fē′nā]

n.

[It < L finis: see FINISH]

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