adverb
subtly
SUHT-lee
adverb
1
In a way that is delicate or not obvious.
"She subtly changed the subject before things got awkward."
"The lighting was subtly adjusted to make the room feel warmer."
How to Use Subtly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone in a delicate, hard-to-notice way.
Common mistake
Note the spelling — it keeps the silent "b" from subtle: subtly, not "subtley."
Word Forms
more subtly comparative, most subtly superlative
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She _____ changed the subject before things got awkward.
Etymology
From subtle plus -ly.