subtly
SUHT-lee
Subtly (adverb) means In a way that is delicate or not obvious. Example: “She subtly changed the subject before things got awkward.”
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."
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more subtly
- Superlative
- most subtly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ changed the subject before things got awkward.
Etymology
From subtle plus -ly.
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “subtly” mean?
The word “subtly” means in a way that is delicate or not obvious. In plain terms, done in a delicate, hard-to-notice way.
How do you pronounce “subtly”?
“Subtly” is pronounced SUHT-lee (/ˈsʌt.l̩.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “subtly” in a sentence?
Here is “subtly” used in a sentence: “She subtly changed the subject before things got awkward.”
What part of speech is “subtly”?
“Subtly” is an adverb.
Is “subtly” a common word?
“Subtly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
