subtle

UK /ˈsʌtl̩/ US /ˈsʌtəl/

adj 5verb 2noun 1

Definitions

adj

Senses relating to tangible things.

The mighty Magnet from the Center darts / This ſtrong, tho' ſubtile Force, thro' all the Parts: / Its active Rays ejaculated thence, / Irradiate all the wide Circumference.

Senses relating to tangible things.

noun

People or things that are subtle (adjective sense) as a class.

verb

To make (something) subtle (“giving only a slight impression; also, skilfully restrained or understated”).

To burn (someone or something) to ash.

A fire ſubtle ye, are ye ſo crafty.

Collocations

(adj.)

VERBS

be, seem

become

ADV

extraordinarily, extremely, very

infinitely

Her cooking style is infinitely subtle, using just a pinch of spice to enhance each dish.

not exactly, not too

Her criticism of the new office design was not exactly subtle during the meeting.

fairly, quite, rather

Thesaurus

Synonyms

adjective — working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way

adjective — difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

elusive

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

The mighty Magnet from the Center darts / This ſtrong, tho' ſubtile Force, thro' all the Parts: / Its active Rays ejaculated thence, / Irradiate all the wide Circumference.

Wiktionary

The difference between the tones is subtle, but you can hear it if you listen carefully.

Wiktionary

Although the show gradually grows more subtle, much of the early writing that establishes the characters is so on the nose it hurts. Any time we see Walt [Walter White] in class, it’s certain that wha

Wiktionary

A fire ſubtle ye, are ye ſo crafty.

Wiktionary

There are subtle differences between the two things.

Tatoeba · #44640

There's a subtle difference in meaning between the two words.

Tatoeba · #44644

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, subtle is marked as archaic, obsolete, US, rare. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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