subtilize

[ suht-l-ahyz, suhb-tuh-lahyz ]
See synonyms for subtilize on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing.
  1. to elevate in character; sublimate.

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

  1. to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.

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

verb (used without object),sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing.
  1. to make subtle distinctions or to argue subtly.

Origin of subtilize

1
1585–95; <Medieval Latin subtīlizāre, equivalent to subtīl(is) subtle + -izāre-ize
  • Also especially British, sub·til·ise .

Other words from subtilize

  • sub·til·i·za·tion, noun
  • sub·til·iz·er, noun
  • su·per·sub·til·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use subtilize in a sentence

  • By subtilizing every thing, the modern theologian becomes as unintelligible to himself as to others.

    Good Sense | Paul Henri Thiry, Baron D'Holbach
  • But Mr. Arabin went on subtilizing, regarding neither the archdeacon's raillery nor Eleanor's defence.

    Barchester Towers | Anthony Trollope
  • In them there is no subtilizing of human affections, of human fears, or of human faith.

  • By subtilizing, the modern theologian becomes as little intelligible to himself as to others.

  • Nay; in genuine biographies I had read of the subtilizing or exalting influence of some diseases on the mental powers.

    The Lifted Veil | George Eliot

British Dictionary definitions for subtilize

subtilize

subtilise

/ (ˈsʌtɪˌlaɪz) /


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

  2. to debate subtly

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

Derived forms of subtilize

  • subtilization or subtilisation, noun
  • subtilizer or subtiliser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012