Finesentence logo

Subtly: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ
Add to dictionary

subtly

 

[ หˆsสŒt.li ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

in a subtle manner

In a manner that is not immediately obvious or noticeable, often requiring close attention or observation. It can refer to something done in a discreet or understated way.

Synonyms

delicately, gently, quietly

Examples of usage

  • She smiled subtly, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
  • He subtly hinted at his dissatisfaction without directly confronting the issue.
  • The artist's use of color was subtly striking, adding depth and complexity to the painting.
Context #2 | Adjective

not obvious or easily noticeable

Not immediately obvious or noticeable; faint or slight in degree. Something that is subtle is often cleverly hidden or disguised.

Synonyms

discreet, nuanced, understated

Examples of usage

  • The suspect's smirk was a subtle indication of guilt.
  • Her changes to the document were so subtle that they went unnoticed by most people.
  • The film's soundtrack features subtle nuances that enhance the emotional impact of the scenes.

Translations

Translations of the word "subtly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sutilmente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅ‚เค•เฅเคทเฅเคฎเคคเคพ เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช subtil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dengan halus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะพะฝะบะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ subtelnie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅพฎๅฆ™ใซ (ใณใฟใ‚‡ใ†ใซ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท subtilement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sutilmente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ince bir ลŸekilde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฏธ๋ฌ˜ํ•˜๊ฒŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุดูƒู„ ุฎููŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jemnฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jemne

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทงๅฆ™ๅœฐ (qiวŽomiร o de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ subtilno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรญnt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฝำ™ะทั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜แƒ™แƒแƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ incษ™liklษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sutilmente

Etymology

The word 'subtly' originated from the Latin word 'subtilis', meaning fine or thin. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of something not immediately obvious or noticeable. The adverb form of 'subtle' has been used in English since the 14th century, while the adjective form dates back to the 16th century. Today, 'subtly' is commonly used to describe things that are cleverly hidden, faint, or understated.

See also: subtleness, subtleties, subtlety.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,945, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.