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Glite Dictionary
to subtilize

to subtilize

9.9
To make an idea or way of thinking more careful and sensitive
  • verb
  • /ˈsʌb.tɪ.laɪz/
translation icon : sutilizar
  • We need to subtilize our arguments in the debate.

Examples

  • Years of experience had subtilized his sense of taste and judgement.

  • The critic's efforts to subtilize the argument only confused the readers further.

  • She tried to subtilize her approach to discussing the sensitive issue.

  • The artist aims to subtilize her brush strokes.

  • The artist aimed to subtilize the details in her painting to capture the light more delicately.

  • Through careful study, she was able to subtilize her arguments, making them more convincing and nuanced.

  • His training helped him subtilize his perception of music, allowing him to appreciate subtler harmonies.

Synonyms

to sublimate
vsto subtilize
1 8.6

To make something more refined or better in quality

is about becoming more refined and more sensitive in thinking or perception
to rarefy
vsto subtilize
  • Formal
9.9

To make an idea, art, or style more subtle and less direct

focuses on fine refinement in approach and perception rather than abstractness
to rarify
vsto subtilize
  • Formal
9.9

To make something more detailed by adding small parts or ideas

aims for finer methods and perception rather than added complexity
to sensibilize
vsto subtilize
8.3

To make people more aware of a problem or idea

changes style toward finer reasoning or perception rather than only awareness
to de-emphasize
vsto subtilize
  • US
5.3

Make something seem less important

moves meaning toward greater refinement instead of lowering importance

Antonyms

to coarsen
2 6.5

Make or become rough in texture and manners

How Subtle

to refine
93 4.0
to nuance
1 7.2
to subtilize
9.9
to tone down
44 3.7
to simplify
99 2.5

Surface Forms

subtilize infinitive
subtilized past
subtilized past participle
subtilizing present participle
subtilizes third person singular

Morphology

subtilize = subtle (transparent) = subtle + ize

Formed by a productive adjective-to-verb suffix '-ize' meaning 'make or become', so the meaning 'make more subtle' is directly derivable from 'subtle' + '-ize'.

Etymology

Subtilize comes from the Latin word subtilis, meaning 'fine' or 'delicate', and it shares the same root as subtle. So to subtilize something is to make it more 'subtle' or refined in thought, feeling, or style.