subtly

[ suht-l-lee, suht-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is so fine or delicate as to be difficult to perceive:

   The vegetables tasted subtly of the grill, but each still held its own unique flavor.

2. in a way that shows or requires mental penetration or discernment:

   In the press, comment and analysis must be subtly distinguished from news.

3. in a way that shows highly refined skill; cleverly or ingeniously:

   He has developed his own style of playing the whistle and subtly incorporates features that evoke other traditional instruments.

4. in a wily or cunning way; craftily:

   Under the guise of journalistic objectivity, news programs subtly play on our emotions—chiefly on our fears.

Other Words From

• non·sub·tly adverb
• o·ver·sub·tly adverb
• pseu·do·sub·tly adverb
• un·sub·tly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtly¹

subt(le) ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Put on a headset and nature’s own tone, thunder, is not only accompanied by soft rumbling in your ears, it also subtly rolls though your controller.

From Washington Post

Hopefully, developers will work it subtly into the game when it makes sense.

From Popular-Science

Things to consider when buying wireless earbudsSome products telegraph their features with flashy designs, but the best wireless earbuds will integrate with a user’s routine so subtly that you could almost forget they’re there.

From Popular-Science

The pandemic has subtly normalized the expanded use of ankle monitors around the world.

From MIT Technology Review

Three months later, the WHO’s guidance has changed subtly but still only suggests airborne transmission plays a limited role.

From MIT Technology Review

He subtly gestured toward the direction of the camera pointed at their house.

From The Daily Beast

Infomania, they say, is more subtly crippling than physical hoarding.

From The Daily Beast

If there were ever a Chinese company that could subtly suggest a few changes in Chinese policy, Alibaba would be it.

From The Daily Beast

But with the 2016 presidential season on the horizon, the Texas firebrand has subtly changed his tune over the last six months.

From The Daily Beast

In an effort to cope with the implications of this question, Americans have subtly but sweepingly shifted their ideals.

From The Daily Beast

It must be confessed that nothing in her surroundings spoke to her more loudly or more subtly than these things.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a born sentimentalist, and this became by no means subtly apparent to Kitty during Crozier's illness.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the ladies of the house of the Medici did me the honor of their subtly barbed friendliness.

From Project Gutenberg

Its wool was subtly, silky white, Color of lucent obliteration of night, Like the shimmering snow or—our Clothild's arm!

From Project Gutenberg

The most subtly painted serpent casts ultimately its slough.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• casually
• delicately
• easily
• faintly
• freely
• gingerly
• mildly
• moderately
• quietly
• simply
• slightly
• softly
• sparsely
• tenderly
• thinly