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 Word Forms

• nonsubtly adverb
• oversubtly adverb
• pseudosubtly adverb
• unsubtly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtly¹

subt(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Ben Rortvedt has provided a steady presence behind the plate for the pitching staff, improved defense on balls in the dirt, and subtly useful offense.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Opera offers superb chorus singers to be hidden backstage to subtly reinforce out-of-breath singers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Before conducting this task, participants were given training on how to subtly sway those being polled.

Read more on BBC

He showed how the smart glasses, when paired with a smart wristband, could be used to write and send text by subtly moving one’s fingers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Over the course of 13 songs, he sings about escape and release, love and devotion - subtly, but confidently, adding Asian and Middle Eastern flavours to his palette.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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