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
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Five Feet Apart
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
That was a subtly unifying note for Catholics and Protestants.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
Living with other people may be subtly influencing your gut bacteria, according to new research from the University of East Anglia.
From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026
That does lead me to question whether she’s perhaps trying to subtly convince him that he should change his mind.
From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026
Nicole Eun-Ju Bell’s video and projection designs subtly transpose the setting when, for instance, Umma meets up with her son at church.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
They regularly shared photographs of my dad with my mom, subtly pointing out that he was single and that they'd make a great couple.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
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.
