subtilize

especially British, sub·til·ise

[suht-l-ahyz, suhb-tuh-lahyz]

verb (used with object)

subtilized, subtilizing 

1. to elevate in character; sublimate.

2. to make (the mind, senses, etc.) keen or discerning; sharpen.

3. to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.

4. to make thin, rare, or more fluid or volatile; refine.

verb (used without object)

subtilized, subtilizing 

1. to make subtle distinctions or to argue subtly.

subtilize

/ ˈsʌtɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to bring to a purer state; refine

2. to debate subtly

3. (tr) to make (the mind, etc) keener

Other Word Forms

• subtilization noun
• subtilizer noun
• supersubtilized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtilize¹

1585–95; < Medieval Latin subtīlizāre, equivalent to subtīl ( is ) subtle + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

Hecht refined and subtilized the banter of the old screwball comedies into ironic japery, and Hitchcock directed with an unparalleled mastery of sexual tension.

From The New Yorker

The spiritual comprehension may be infinitely subtilized, but the raw material it operates upon must remain.

From Project Gutenberg

But the men's shoddy is merely a horror, whereas woman transfigures and subtilizes the cheap material.

From Project Gutenberg

The risk in subtilizing stage character lies just here.

From Project Gutenberg

Theosophy—and a large share of what is called theology—is simply a refining and subtilizing of mythology.

From Project Gutenberg