subtly

American  

[suht-l-lee, suht-lee] / ˈsʌt l li, ˈsʌt li /

adverb

1. 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.

2. in a way that shows or requires mental penetration or discernment.

   In the press, comment and analysis must be subtly distinguished from news.

3. 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.

4. in a wily or cunning way; craftily.

   Under the guise of journalistic objectivity, news programs subtly play on our emotions—chiefly on our fears.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsubtly adverb
• oversubtly adverb
• pseudosubtly adverb
• unsubtly adverb

Etymology

Origin of subtly

subt(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“It’s like a cursed artifact that gives you great power to keep up with what’s going on, but at the cost of subtly corrupting your soul,” said the 38-year-old Providence College economics professor.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their responses can subtly highlight certain viewpoints while minimizing others, often without users realizing it.

From Salon

"The constant bouncing of the pickleball is not only annoying but also subtly triggers stress, disrupts sleep, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease," according to state-run VTC News website.

From Barron's

Armed with a cut of the film, pillared by the songs he wrote and arranged, Blumberg crafted a score that subtly teed up song melodies and established a sense of spiritual trance.

From Los Angeles Times

Now both aged 60, Brydon said the tone of their conversations had subtly shifted.

From BBC

Related Words

• casually
• delicately
• easily
• faintly
• freely
• gingerly
• mildly
• moderately
• quietly
• simply
• slightly
• softly
• sparsely
• tenderly
• thinly