different between superfine vs superfinely

English

Etymology

From super- +? fine.

Adjective

superfine (comparative more superfine, superlative most superfine)

1. Extremely subtle or refined; extremely sensitive to slight impressions or perceptions. [from 16th c.]
   • 1695, John Locke, The Reasonableness of Christianity:

     The bulk of Mankind have not leisure for Learning and Logick, and superfine distinctions of the Schools.

2. Extremely refined or sophisticated; very elegant. [from 16th c.]
   • 1815, Frances Burney, Journals and Letters, Penguin 2001, p. 498:

     This place, with regard to superfine visitors, fills slowly and the season is expected not only to be late, but thin, of company, from the many families that are rambling abroad.

   • 1859, Ferna Vale, Natalie; or, A Gem Among the Sea-Weeds:

     Ask her if she would exchange her brave husband for one of those superfine niceties, who suing for favor at her feet, had at the same time lined their vows of love and constancy with the yellow dust, which had they known the strong chest to have been at their backs, while in this humble posture, it were uncertain to which might have been made an apology,—the fair lady or her dowry.

3. Having an especially fine size or texture; made of very small particles or threads. [from 17th c.]
4. Of a very high or pure grade or quality. [from 17th c.]
5. Very good, excellent. [from 19th c.]

Derived terms

• super (adjective)

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sy.p??.fin/
• Homophone: superfines

Adjective

superfine

1. feminine singular of superfin

English

Etymology

superfine +? -ly

Adverb

superfinely (comparative more superfinely, superlative most superfinely)

1. In a superfine manner.