Subtle: meaning, definitions and examples

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subtle

[ ˈsʌt(ə)l ]

^{Context #1}

description

So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe. Making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something. Not immediately obvious; elusive.

Synonyms

delicate, elegant, nuanced, sophisticated, understated

Examples of usage

It was a subtle difference, but she could sense it.
He made a subtle joke about her new haircut.
The subtle hints in his speech went unnoticed by most people.
The artist used subtle shades of color to create a sense of depth in the painting.
The movie's humor was so subtle that many viewers didn't catch all the jokes.

^{Context #2}

art

A very slight difference or distinction. A subtle flavor or quality.

Synonyms

hint, nuance, shade, touch, trace

Examples of usage

The chef added a subtle touch of spice to the dish.
She noticed a subtle change in his attitude towards her.

Translations

Translations of the word "subtle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sutil

🇮🇳 सूक्ष्म

🇩🇪 subtil

🇮🇩 halus

🇺🇦 тонкий

🇵🇱 subtelny

🇯🇵 微妙な (びみょうな)

🇫🇷 subtil

🇪🇸 sutil

🇹🇷 ince

🇰🇷 미묘한

🇸🇦 دقيق

🇨🇿 jemný

🇸🇰 jemný

🇨🇳 微妙的 (wēimiào de)

🇸🇮 nežen

🇮🇸 fíngerður

🇰🇿 жұқа

🇬🇪 ნაზი

🇦🇿 incə

🇲🇽 sutil

Word origin

The word 'subtle' comes from the Latin word 'subtilis', meaning fine or delicate. It has been used in English since the 14th century. Over time, 'subtle' has come to be associated with things that are understated, clever, or not immediately obvious. The term has evolved to describe a wide range of qualities, from flavors and scents to behaviors and hints.