subtle

[suht-l]

adjective

subtler, subtlest 

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

2. fine or delicate in meaning or intent; difficult to perceive or understand.

   subtle irony.

3. delicate or faint and mysterious.

   a subtle smile.

4. requiring mental acuteness, penetration, or discernment.

   a subtle philosophy.

5. characterized by mental acuteness or penetration.

   a subtle understanding.

6. cunning, wily, or crafty.

   a subtle liar.

   Synonyms: slick, foxy, tricky, sly

7. insidious in operation.

   subtle poison.

8. skillful, clever, or ingenious.

   a subtle painter.

subtle

/ ˈsʌtəl /

adjective

1. not immediately obvious or comprehensible

2. difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined

   a subtle scent

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

4. marked by or requiring mental acuteness or ingenuity; discriminating

5. delicate or faint

   a subtle shade

6. cunning or wily

   a subtle rogue

7. operating or executed in secret

   a subtle intrigue

Other Word Forms

• subtleness noun
• subtly adverb
• hypersubtle adjective
• hypersubtleness noun
• nonsubtle adjective
• nonsubtleness noun
• oversubtle adjective
• pseudosubtle adjective
• unsubtle adjective
• unsubtleness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtle¹

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

Example Sentences

Penumbral lunar eclipse – A more subtle occurrence, where the Moon travels through the outer part of Earth's shadow, resulting in a faint dimming.

From BBC

Woodhouse has a particularly keen eye when it comes to evaluating the tiniest aspects of a person in motion, helping players make subtle adjustments to the way they run in order to improve their speed.

From Los Angeles Times

Armani preferred straighter lines, subtler curves and light, fluid fabrics, to the point where his eveningwear gradually evolved into semi-sheer dresses that seemed to wrap the body in fine netting.

From Los Angeles Times

My room was spacious and simple, with a comfortable bed and subtle under-bed lighting.

From Salon

In both cases, it’s that subtle, peppery lift that makes a familiar dish feel unexpectedly alive.

From Salon

Related Words

• exquisite 
• faint 
• indirect 
• ingenious 
• profound 
• slight 
• sophisticated 
• understated