subtle

[ suht-l ]

/ ˈsʌt l /

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See synonyms for subtle on Thesaurus.com

adjective, sub·tler, sub·tlest.

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

fine or delicate in meaning or intent; difficult to perceive or understand: subtle irony.

delicate or faint and mysterious: a subtle smile.

requiring mental acuteness, penetration, or discernment: a subtle philosophy.

characterized by mental acuteness or penetration: a subtle understanding.

cunning, wily, or crafty: a subtle liar.

insidious in operation: subtle poison.

skillful, clever, or ingenious: a subtle painter.

OTHER WORDS FOR subtle

6 sly, tricky, foxy, slick.

See synonyms for subtle on Thesaurus.com

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of subtle

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

OTHER WORDS FROM subtle

sub·tle·ness, nounsub·tly, adverbhy·per·sub·tle, adjectivehy·per·sub·tle·ness, noun

non·sub·tle, adjectivenon·sub·tle·ness, nouno·ver·sub·tle, adjectivepseu·do·sub·tle, adjectiveun·sub·tle, adjectiveun·sub·tle·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use subtle in a sentence

This penetrating style of portraiture works on the subtlest of emotional responses as well.
Into the Woods With Virginia Woolf: Emily Perkins and ‘The Forrests’|Lucy Scholes|September 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Remains one mightier problem, subtlest and most difficult of all, that of the life of the human spirit, of man evolving into God.
Evolution of Life and Form|Annie Wood Besant
Here too, of course, research may be carried to the subtlest details and the microscope has to tell the full story.
Psychotherapy|Hugo Mnsterberg
This subtlest and most elusive essence in nature, not even now entirely understood, is a part of common life.
Steam Steel and Electricity|James W. Steele

Therefore he takes the highest skill of his hand and the subtlest wit of his brain, and uses them to manufacture poison gases.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
In this instance, certainly, the subtlest diplomatist could not with all his scheming have produced a more complete result.
The Angel of Pain|E. F. Benson

British Dictionary definitions for subtle

subtle

/ (ˈsʌtəl) /

adjective

not immediately obvious or comprehensible

difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refineda subtle scent

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

marked by or requiring mental acuteness or ingenuity; discriminating

delicate or fainta subtle shade

cunning or wilya subtle rogue

operating or executed in secreta subtle intrigue

Derived forms of subtle

subtleness, nounsubtly, adverb

Word Origin for subtle

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

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

subtle

OTHER WORDS FOR subtle

Origin of subtle

OTHER WORDS FROM subtle

Words related to subtle

How to use subtle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for subtle

Derived forms of subtle

Word Origin for subtle