subtle
48
5.8
- adjective
- /ˈsʌtəl/
:
perspicaz
- And its subtle flavor is such a wonderful contrast to its eye-catching color.
We're attentive to the subtle nuances of the experience.
- We're attentive to the subtle nuances of the experience.
- But the human consciousness is more subtle than that, is more fine grained.
- This is more like subtle, like nuances of color on the lid.
- And so this is a subtle tuning on all of this.
- They become more nuanced and more subtle in particular ways.
- But that intuitive intelligence is a more subtle level of feeling.
- How do you, because that's a real nuanced, subtle place to be.
Examples
-
It's got a really nice subtle glow to it.
-
The healthcare manager must look for more subtle and creative motivational methods.
Academic text (1998) -
Oh, it's quite subtle, which is what I like.
-
But anyway, this is a really subtle and important point, OK?
-
This can be done in many subtle ways.
-
So that's a kind of subtle truth about it.
-
We're attentive to the subtle nuances of the experience.
-
You're trying to plant ideas in people's heads, making subtle suggestions.
-
When I lived with Frederick, I loved him with a subtle desperation that was tied to anticipated loss.
Fiction book (1999) -
The painter used subtle colors to create depth in the landscape.
Synonyms
41
6.3
Showing small differences or details that are not obvious
20
6.7
Able to notice small details and make good choices
Able to notice small differences between things
Very careful and exact but too detailed to follow
How Perceptive
Surface Forms
Etymology
Subtle comes from the Latin subtilis, meaning 'fine' or 'thin like a thread', and the same idea was used for careful thought. So a 'subtle' person or idea notices small, quiet differences that others miss.