subtly

American  

[suht-l-lee, suht-lee] / ˈsʌt l li, ˈsʌt li /

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

Etymology

Origin of subtly

subt(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The adverb subtly describes something that's done in a delicate or understated way. You could subtly suggest to your best friend that a breath mint might taste good, rather than telling her straight out that she's got terrible breath. When you do something subtly, you do it quietly and indirectly — like subtly criticizing your mom's choice of beachwear. If you smile subtly, it's a small, mysterious, Mona Lisa-type smile rather than a wide, open one. There are two tricks to the word subtly: first, when you add the ly to the word subtle, the e gets dropped. Second, don't confuse subtly with subtlety, a noun meaning "the state of being subtle."

Example Sentences

That was a subtly unifying note for Catholics and Protestants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

A passing gravitational wave, however, would subtly change how that tone is heard depending on direction.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

That does lead me to question whether she’s perhaps trying to subtly convince him that he should change his mind.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Few still working in the UK government would be as honest but the prime minister is changing his approach, albeit relatively subtly.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Hassan nodded subtly; Colin’s lips pursed; Hassan rubbed at his five-o’clock shadow; Colin bit at the inside of his thumb; Hassan smiled; Colin nodded.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green

Related Words

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