yvlog

Advertisement

Advertisement

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
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈܲٱԱ, noun
  • ˈܲٱ, adverb
Discover More

Other yvlog 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
Discover More

yvlog 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
Discover More

yvlog History and Origins

Origin of subtle1

C14: from Old French soutil, from Latin ܲī finely woven
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Scientists say subtle differences in the colour of seawater will enable them to count tiny - but critically important - Antarctic marine creatures, from Space.

From

Tarragon has a subtle anise, fennel-like flavor, and its leaves are slender and softer than other herbs.

From

It’s common after disasters for foreign countries to donate to relief efforts in a show of goodwill and a subtle flexing of soft power.

From

“His gift was so overt and so subtle that he became the best part of the movies he merely supported,” Brosser-Akner wrote.

From

The signaling was subtle but clear: We come to this place for flexing.

From

Advertisement

Related yvlogs

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement