adjective

subtle

SUHTL

adjective

So slight or delicate that it is barely noticeable.

"There was a subtle hint of vanilla in the coffee."

"She gave him a subtle nod so no one else would notice."

Requiring careful thought to notice or understand; not obvious.

"The novel makes a subtle argument about memory and guilt."

Skilled at noticing fine details or handling delicate situations tactfully.

"A subtle diplomat, she smoothed over the disagreement without anyone losing face."

How to Use Subtle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFaint, delicate, or not obvious — something you might miss if you're not paying close attention.

Common mistake

The "b" is silent: it's pronounced "SUT-l," not "SUB-tl."

Common pairings

subtle difference subtle hint subtle change

Word Forms

subtler comparative, more subtle comparative, subtled past tense, subtles singular, subtlest superlative, most subtle superlative

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There was a _____ hint of vanilla in the coffee.

Etymology

From Middle English subtil, borrowed via Old French from Latin subtilis ("fine, delicate, precise"), from sub- ("under") plus tela ("web, weave"). The modern spelling with a "b" comes from imitating the Latin, though the letter was never actually pronounced.

Synonyms

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tricky nice delicate knotty

Antonyms

manifest obvious simple

Related Words

accurate good distinct learned simple complex beautiful sharp

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