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1. Dictionary

   subtle

   /ˈsʌtl/

   adjective

   • 1. (especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe: "his language expresses rich and subtle meanings" Similar finefine-drawnultra-fineniceoverniceminuteprecisenarrowtenuoushair-splittingindistinctindefiniteelusiveabstruseinformal:minusculeOpposite crude
   • ▪ (of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated: "subtle lighting" Similar understatedlow-keymutedtoned downsubdueddelicatefaintpalesoftindistinctindefinitevaguewashed outOpposite luridobvious
   • ▪ capable of making fine distinctions: "a subtle mind" Similar astutekeenquickfineacutesharprazor-likerazor-sharprapier-likecannyshrewdawareperceptivediscerningsensitivediscriminatingpenetratingsagaciouswisecleverintelligentskilfulartfulsapientpercipientperspicaciousinformal:on the ballsavvyarchaic:politicOpposite slow-witted
   • ▪ arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way: "the German plan was simple yet subtle"
   • 2. making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something: "he tried a more subtle approach"
   • 3. crafty; cunning: archaic "the subtle fiend dissembled" Similar ingeniouscleverskilfuladroitcunningcraftywilyartfuldeviousOpposite crudeartless

   Word Origin Middle English (also in the sense ‘not easily understood’): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis.

   Derivatives

   • 1. subtleness noun

   Scrabble Points: 8

   • S

     1

   • U

     1

   • B

     3

   • T

     1

   • L

     1

   • E

     1

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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishSUBTLE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   SUBTLE definition: 1. not loud, bright, noticeable, or obvious in any way: 2. small but important: 3. achieved in a…. Learn more.

3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › subtleSubtle Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › subtle

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   The meaning of SUBTLE is delicate, elusive. How to use subtle in a sentence. Why is there a 'b' in subtle?

4. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishSUBTLE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   1. adjective. Something that is subtle is not immediately obvious or noticeable. ...the slow and subtle changes that take place in all living things. Intolerance can take subtler forms too. subtly adverb. The truth is subtly different. We change subtly all the time. 2. adjective. A subtle person cleverly uses indirect methods to achieve something.

5. www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › subtlesubtle | meaning of subtle in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary...

   www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › subtle

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   subtle meaning, definition, what is subtle: not easy to notice or understand unless ...: Learn more.

6. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionarySUBTLE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   SUBTLE meaning: 1. not loud, bright, noticeable, or obvious in any way: 2. small but important: 3. achieved in a…. Learn more.

7. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishSUBTLE | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   SUBTLE definition: 1. not obvious or easy to notice: 2. A subtle flavour, colour, etc is delicate and not strong or…. Learn more.

8. www.dictionary.com › browse › subtleSUBTLE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › subtle

   • Cached

   characterized by mental acuteness or penetration: a subtle understanding. cunning, wily, or crafty: a subtle liar. Synonyms: slick, foxy, tricky, sly. insidious in operation: subtle poison. skillful, clever, or ingenious: a subtle painter.

9. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definitionsubtle adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › us › definition

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   Definition of subtle adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

10. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › subtleSubtle - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

    www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › subtle

    Something that is subtle is not obvious: a professional food taster might be able to perceive subtle differences of flavor that most people don't notice. Subtle is used for things that are hard to describe because of their complexity or delicacy: a way of thinking, arguing, or creating a work of art.

11. www.thefreedictionary.com › subtleSubtle - definition of subtle by The Free Dictionary

    www.thefreedictionary.com › subtle

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    1. not immediately obvious or comprehensible. 2. difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined: a subtle scent. 3. showing or making or capable of showing or making fine distinctions of meaning. 4. marked by or requiring mental acuteness or ingenuity; discriminating. 5. delicate or faint: a subtle shade.