Focusing on the meaning:
* Semantic variation: This emphasizes that the difference is in the *meaning* conveyed by the word, even if the word itself is the same.
* Slight semantic shift: Similar to "semantic variation," but highlighting the subtle nature of the change.
* Nuance: This emphasizes the subtle, almost imperceptible, difference in meaning.
* Shade of meaning: This is a more informal way of describing the subtle difference in meaning.
Focusing on the usage:
* Usage variation: This emphasizes that the difference lies in how the word is used, rather than its inherent meaning.
* Idiomatic difference: This applies when the difference is specifically related to the word's usage in different contexts or phrases.
* Regional dialect: This applies if the difference is specifically related to how the word is used in different geographic regions.
Other options:
* Slight difference in interpretation: This is a more general term that can be used to describe any kind of subtle difference in how a word is understood.
* Minor variation in usage: This is a more neutral term that doesn't specify the nature of the difference.
The best term to use will depend on the specific context and the nature of the difference you are trying to describe.
For example, if you are talking about a word that has a slightly different meaning in British English compared to American English, you might use "regional dialect" or "idiomatic difference." If you are talking about a word that can be used in two different ways, with slightly different implications, you might use "semantic variation" or "shade of meaning."