subtle

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/ˈsʌtəl/
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Hard to notice at first because it is slight, indirect, or finely judged.
Practice using subtle in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • There is a subtle difference between the two designs.
  • His questions were subtle but effective.
  • That was not a very subtle attempt to change the subject.
  • She is a subtle observer of human behavior.
  • Few writers handle irony as subtly as she does.

Similar words

faint
muted
indirect
discerning
deft
deft
tactful
discreet
insightful
diplomatic

Meanings

Hard to notice

adjective
everyday
neutral
Present in a slight or delicate way, so it is not immediately obvious, though it may still matter.

Examples

  • There is a subtle difference between the two designs.
  • The soup has a subtle flavor of ginger.
  • Did you notice the subtle change in her tone?
  • The lighting was subtle, not bright or dramatic.
  • A subtle error in the contract changed its meaning.

Similar words

slight
delicate
faint
nuanced
understated
muted

Cleverly indirect

adjective
communication
neutral
Using quiet, indirect methods to communicate or achieve something without drawing attention to the method itself.

Examples

  • She gave me a subtle hint that it was time to leave.
  • His questions were subtle but effective.
  • The advertisement makes a subtle appeal to fear.
  • That was not a very subtle attempt to change the subject.
  • Could you be more subtle when asking about the surprise?

Similar words

indirect
discreet
tactful
clever
deft
diplomatic

Fine judgment or skill

adjective
skills
neutral
Showing a fine ability to notice, understand, or create small and complex details.

Examples

  • She is a subtle observer of human behavior.
  • The actor gave a subtle and moving performance.
  • His subtle analysis revealed what the report had missed.
  • The chef's subtle use of spices takes years to master.
  • Few writers handle irony as subtly as she does.

Similar words

perceptive
discerning
insightful
refined
skillful
deft

Etymology

From Middle English sotil, through Old French from Latin subtilis, literally 'finely woven'. The silent b was later restored in the spelling to reflect the Latin form.

FAQ

What does subtle mean?

subtle means hard to notice at first because something is slight, indirect, or finely judged.

How do you pronounce subtle?

subtle is pronounced /ˈsʌtəl/. The b is silent.

Why is the b silent in subtle?

The spelling was changed to reflect the Latin ancestor subtilis, although the b was not normally pronounced in English.

What is the difference between subtle and obvious?

subtle describes what is not immediately noticeable, while obvious describes what is easy to see or understand.

Can subtle describe a person?

Yes. A subtle person can notice fine distinctions or use clever indirect methods.

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