finely

comparative finelier · comparative more finely · superlative fineliest · superlative 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.

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

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

   2 more examples

   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

   Fanny Hill

   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

   Conversation with simple, respectful George Larch and that quite charming fellow Vallett had convinced him that everything was going to turn out finely.

   1934, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], The Bravo of London

3. archaicThoroughly; wholly.

   We quarrelled finely, and Mrs. Clements, not liking to see it, I suppose, offered to take Anne away to live in London with her. […] I was finely terrified at the possible consequences.

   1860, Wilkie Collins, The Woman in White