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
Etymology
Origin of subtly
Explanation
The adverb subtly describes something that's done in a delicate or understated way. You could subtly suggest to your best friend that a breath mint might taste good, rather than telling her straight out that she's got terrible breath. When you do something subtly, you do it quietly and indirectly — like subtly criticizing your mom's choice of beachwear. If you smile subtly, it's a small, mysterious, Mona Lisa-type smile rather than a wide, open one. There are two tricks to the word subtly: first, when you add the ly to the word subtle, the e gets dropped. Second, don't confuse subtly with subtlety, a noun meaning "the state of being subtle."
Vocabulary lists containing subtly
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
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I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
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Five Feet Apart
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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.
Wygodny has written original music to subtly accompany Booth’s fable, lending the emotional subtext at points a penumbra of cello.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
Sometimes, he found himself subtly bending his playing to the sounds of the cityscape.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
These videos are very real—albeit subtly engineered to generate entire trends.
From Slate • May 6, 2026
The humble pretzel can be spotted, rather subtly, in a painting of a luxurious banquet.
From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026
Anna’s motto is “Apply makeup subtly and carry a big purse. ” surveillance.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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.
