subtle

[suht-l]

adjective

subtler, subtlest 

1. thin, tenuous, or rarefied, as a fluid or an odor.

2. fine or delicate in meaning or intent; difficult to perceive or understand.

   subtle irony.

3. delicate or faint and mysterious.

   a subtle smile.

4. requiring mental acuteness, penetration, or discernment.

   a subtle philosophy.

5. characterized by mental acuteness or penetration.

   a subtle understanding.

6. cunning, wily, or crafty.

   a subtle liar.

   Synonyms: slick, foxy, tricky, sly

7. insidious in operation.

   subtle poison.

8. skillful, clever, or ingenious.

   a subtle painter.

subtle

/ ˈsʌtəl /

adjective

1. not immediately obvious or comprehensible

2. difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined

   a subtle scent

3. showing or making or capable of showing or making fine distinctions of meaning

4. marked by or requiring mental acuteness or ingenuity; discriminating

5. delicate or faint

   a subtle shade

6. cunning or wily

   a subtle rogue

7. operating or executed in secret

   a subtle intrigue

Other Word Forms

• subtleness noun
• subtly adverb
• hypersubtle adjective
• hypersubtleness noun
• nonsubtle adjective
• nonsubtleness noun
• oversubtle adjective
• pseudosubtle adjective
• unsubtle adjective
• unsubtleness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtle¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English sotil, from Old French, from Latin subtīlis “subtile” (the b of modern spelling is from Latin ); subtile

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtle¹

C14: from Old French soutil, from Latin subtīlis finely woven

Example Sentences

Instead of simply repopulating these areas, there has been a subtle shift toward living in more urban communities, especially for renters or homeowners who couldn’t afford to rebuild.

From Los Angeles Times

Nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice add a subtle, spiced echo of the season.

From Salon

Anise, coriander and other flavorings lent a subtle complexity to the “special soy sauce” set out on the tables.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” evolved in some subtle but meaningful ways in its transition from the stage.

From Los Angeles Times

“It might be subtle, but it creates crosscurrents and ripples that you might not predict.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exquisite 
• faint 
• indirect 
• ingenious 
• profound 
• slight 
• sophisticated 
• understated