finely

From Middle English finely, fynely, fynly, fineliche, finliche, fynliche, equivalent to fine +‎ -ly.

• IPA^(key): /ˈfaɪnli/

• Audio (US):

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• Homophone: finally (one pronunciation)

finely (comparative finelier or more finely, superlative fineliest or most finely)

1. So as to produce a fine texture; into small, thin, or delicate pieces.

   Fledglings can only be fed finely chopped meat.

2. In a fine, handsome or attractive way; very well.
   • 1749, [John Cleland], “(Please specify the letter or volume)”, in Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure [Fanny Hill], London: […] [Thomas Parker] for G. Fenton [i.e., Fenton and Ralph Griffiths] […], →OCLC:

     This girl could not be above eighteen: her face regular and sweet-featur'd, her shape exquisite; nor could I help envying her two ripe enchanting breasts, finely plump'd out in flesh

   • 2018, William Gershom Collingwood, The Book of Coniston, page 8:

     Looking back, Yewdale Crag stands finely over the waterhead; Brantwood is opposite.

• Finley, lenify