subtly
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
in a way that shows or requires mental penetration or discernment.
In the press, comment and analysis must be subtly distinguished from news.
-
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.
-
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Caroline Shaw composed the haunting original music that subtly becomes part of the dramatic weather.
From Los Angeles Times
Ted is a cartoon creep with an Oxbridge hauteur, but Theo’s shortcomings may be too subtly rendered for a play that cries out for more definition.
From Los Angeles Times
Hormonal contraceptives may subtly reshape how partners feel about each other.
From BBC
This elliptical approach is in part its strength, subtly illuminating how trying to move past one tragedy may bring a family to the precipice of another.
Travis is seldom as blunt in his daily interactions with people, who often squint and look past the instability that is so subtly rendered by Mr. De Niro.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
