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1. Dictionary

   Sub·tle

   /ˈsəd(ə)l/

   

   adjective

   • 1. (especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe: "his language expresses rich and subtle meanings" Similar finefine-drawnultra-fineniceoverniceminuteprecisenarrowtenuoushairsplittingindistinctindefiniteelusiveabstruseinformal:minusculeOpposite crude
   • ▪ (of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated: "subtle lighting" Similar understatedlow-keymutedtoned downsubdueddelicatefaintpalesoftindistinctindefinitevaguewashed outOpposite luridobvious
   • ▪ making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something: "he tried a more subtle approach"
   • ▪ capable of making fine distinctions: "a subtle mind" Similar astutekeenquickfineacutesharprazor-likerazor-sharprapierlikecannyshrewdawareperceptivediscerningsensitivediscriminatingpenetratingsagaciouswisecleverintelligentskillfulartfulsapientpercipientperspicaciousinformal:on the ballsavvyarchaic:politicOpposite slow-witted
   • ▪ arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way.
   • ▪ crafty; cunning. Similar ingeniouscleverskillfuladroitcunningcraftywilyartfuldeviousOpposite 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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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishSUBTLE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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

3. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionarySUBTLE | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

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

4. www.wordreference.com › definition › subtlesubtle - WordReference.com Dictionary of English

   www.wordreference.com › definition › subtle

   • Cached

   subtle /ˈsʌtəl/ adj. not immediately obvious or comprehensible. difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined: a subtle scent. showing or making or capable of showing or making fine distinctions of meaning.

5. en.thefreedictionary.com › subtleSubtle - definition of subtle by The Free Dictionary

   en.thefreedictionary.com › subtle

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   Define subtle. subtle synonyms, subtle pronunciation, subtle translation, English dictionary definition of subtle. adj. sub·tler , sub·tlest 1. a. So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive: a subtle smile.

6. www.oed.com › dictionary › subtle_adjsubtle, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford ...

   www.oed.com › dictionary › subtle_adj

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   What does the word subtle mean? There are 25 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word subtle, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. subtle has developed meanings and uses in subjects including.

7. www.betterwordsonline.com › dictionary › subtleSubtle - Definition, Meaning, Synonyms, Etymology

   www.betterwordsonline.com › dictionary › subtle

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   Dictionary definition of subtle. Delicate, understated, or nuanced in its nature, appearance, or meaning. "There was a subtle hint of vanilla in the dessert, enhancing its flavor." Detailed meaning of subtle.

8. www.wordsmyth.netsubtle | Dictionaries and vocabulary tools for English ...

   www.wordsmyth.net

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   Definition of subtle. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.