Is finely used more in writing or speech?

It appears in both, but it is common in cooking, description, and formal writing.

What is the difference between finely and thinly?

Finely often means small or detailed. Thinly mainly means in a thin layer or shape.

Can I say finely for a person?

Yes, but usually in set phrases like “finely dressed” or “finely balanced.”

Is finely the same as well?

Not exactly. Finely can mean “with great detail,” while well is more general.

← Dictionary

finely

/ˈfaɪn.li/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

In a very small or thin way. It can also mean very well, in a careful, detailed, or high-quality way.

Chop the onions finely.
The fabric was finely woven.
She understood the point finely.

Adinary Nuance

Finely is often about small size, thinness, or exact detail. It is different from well, which is broader and means “in a good way.” It is also different from gently, which focuses on soft action, not smallness or detail.

In other languages

Vietnamese: mịn màng
Spanish: finamente
Chinese: 细致地
Japanese: 細かく
Korean: 곱게

Etymology

Finely comes from fine + -ly. It has been used in English since Middle English, especially for “in a small or delicate way.”

Common phrases

finely choppedfinely groundfinely detailed

Synonyms

delicately thinly precisely

Related words

fine grained carefully subtly

Frequently asked questions

Is finely used more in writing or speech?: It appears in both, but it is common in cooking, description, and formal writing.
What is the difference between finely and thinly?: Finely often means small or detailed. Thinly mainly means in a thin layer or shape.
Can I say finely for a person?: Yes, but usually in set phrases like “finely dressed” or “finely balanced.”
Is finely the same as well?: Not exactly. Finely can mean “with great detail,” while well is more general.