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- Dictionarysubtle/ˈsʌtl/
adjective
- 1. (especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe: "his language expresses rich and subtle meanings" Similar Opposite
- 2. making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something: "he tried a more subtle approach"
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The meaning of SUBTLE is delicate, elusive. How to use subtle in a sentence. Why is there a 'b' in subtle?
SUBTLE definition: 1. not loud, bright, noticeable, or obvious in any way: 2. small but important: 3. achieved in a…. Learn more.
adjective. difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze. “his whole attitude had undergone a subtle change” “a subtle difference” synonyms: elusive. impalpable. imperceptible to the senses or the mind. adjective. able to make fine distinctions. “a subtle mind” synonyms: perceptive.
characterized by mental acuteness or penetration: a subtle understanding. cunning, wily, or crafty: a subtle liar. Synonyms: slick, foxy, tricky, sly. insidious in operation: subtle poison. skillful, clever, or ingenious: a subtle painter.
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.
behaving or organized in a clever way, and using indirect methods, in order to achieve something. I decided to try a more subtle approach. a subtle plan. a subtle use of lighting in the play. Oxford Collocations Dictionary. good at noticing and understanding things. The job required a subtle mind. Word Origin.
SUBTLE definition: 1. not obvious or easy to notice: 2. A subtle flavour, colour, etc is delicate and not strong or…. Learn more.
subtle meaning, definition, what is subtle: not easy to notice or understand unless ...: Learn more.
Subtle Definition. sŭtl. subtler, subtlest. Meanings. Synonyms. Sentences. Definition Source. Word Forms. Origin. Adjective. Filter. adjective. subtler, subtlest. So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive. A subtle smile. American Heritage. Thin; rare; tenuous; not dense or heavy. A subtle gas. Webster's New World.
1. adjective. Something that is subtle is not immediately obvious or noticeable. ...the slow and subtle changes that take place in all living things. subtly adverb. The truth is subtly different. 2. adjective. A subtle person cleverly uses indirect methods to achieve something. I even began to exploit him in subtle ways.