(n.) A shade of difference; a delicate gradation\.

allegory allusion amount arcane meaning assumption caliber coloration compass connotation contradistinction cut dash degree delicacy delicate distinction demarcation differentia differential differentiation distinction distinctiveness distinguishment division extent fine point grade hairline hairsplitting height hint implication implied meaning import inference innuendo interval intimation ironic suggestion leap level margin mark meaning measure metaphorical sense microscopic distinction narrow margin nice distinction nicety notch occult meaning overtone particle of difference pas peg period pitch plane plateau point point of difference presumption presupposition proportion range ratio reach refinement remove round rung scale scope segregation separation shade shade of difference shadow soupcon space stair standard step stint subsense subsidiary sense subtle distinction subtlety suggestion supposition suspicion symbolism tinge touch tread trichoschistism undercurrent undermeaning undertone wide margin