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View synonyms for

subtle

[ suht-l ]

adjective

subtler, subtlest.
  1. thin, tenuous, or rarefied, as a fluid or an odor.
  2. fine or delicate in meaning or intent; difficult to perceive or understand:

    subtle irony.

  3. delicate or faint and mysterious:

    a subtle smile.

  4. requiring mental acuteness, penetration, or discernment:

    a subtle philosophy.

  5. characterized by mental acuteness or penetration:

    a subtle understanding.

  6. cunning, wily, or crafty:

    a subtle liar.

    Synonyms: , , ,

  7. insidious in operation:

    subtle poison.

  8. skillful, clever, or ingenious:

    a subtle painter.



subtle

/ ˈʌə /

adjective

  1. not immediately obvious or comprehensible
  2. difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined

    a subtle scent

  3. showing or making or capable of showing or making fine distinctions of meaning
  4. marked by or requiring mental acuteness or ingenuity; discriminating
  5. delicate or faint

    a subtle shade

  6. cunning or wily

    a subtle rogue

  7. operating or executed in secret

    a subtle intrigue

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܲٱԱ, noun
  • ˈܲٱ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ܲ·ٱ·Ա noun
  • ܲ·ٱ adverb
  • ··ܲ·ٱ adjective
  • hy·per·ܲ·ٱ·Ա noun
  • ԴDz·ܲ·ٱ adjective
  • non·ܲ·ٱ·Ա noun
  • ··ܲ·ٱ adjective
  • ··ܲ·ٱ adjective
  • ܲ·ܲ·ٱ adjective
  • un·ܲ·ٱ·Ա noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of subtle1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English sotil, from Old French, from Latin ܲī “subtile” (the b of modern spelling is from Latin ); subtile
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Word History and Origins

Origin of subtle1

C14: from Old French soutil, from Latin ܲī finely woven
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"It is a subtle yet potent tactic of domestic violence, aimed at keeping the victim under control," he says.

From

But that first script was well calibrated with subtle humor and romance.

From

The subtle magic of the Shipping Forecast is celebrated in a special concert, in Belfast's Ulster Hall, featuring Radio 4's continuity announcers and a new work by poet laureate Simon Armitage.

From

Yet, the reality is Guardiola is making subtle tweaks as the season goes on.

From

The impact of sex as a biological variable is far more subtle and pervasive than it may seem.

From

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