fine
UK: faɪn | US: faɪn
adj. of high quality; excellent
adj. very thin or delicate
n. a sum of money paid as a penalty
vt. to impose a monetary penalty
The word "fine" traces back to Latin finis ("end, boundary"), which evolved into Old French fin ("end, limit; delicate, refined"). The sense of "high quality" arose from the idea of something being "finished" to perfection. The legal meaning ("penalty") derives from Medieval Latin finis as a settlement or payment to conclude a dispute. Over time, the spelling retained "fine" while meanings branched into quality ("excellent"), texture ("thin"), and penalties ("monetary charge").
She wore a fine silk dress to the party.
The artist used a fine brush for intricate details.
He had to pay a fine for parking illegally.
The weather was fine all weekend.
The judge decided to fine the company for violating regulations.