Subtle

Meaning

Subtle means difficult to notice, understand, or describe because it is delicate, indirect, or not obvious.

Pronunciation

/ˈsʌt.əl/

Word Forms

• Adjective: subtle
• Noun: subtlety
• Adverb: subtly

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

• subtle difference — a small difference that is difficult to notice.
• subtle change — a slight change that is not immediately obvious.
• subtle hint — an indirect suggestion that may be difficult to recognize.
• subtle expression — a slight or restrained facial or emotional expression.
• subtle influence — an influence that operates indirectly or is difficult to recognize.
• subtle distinction — a small but meaningful difference between two things.

Example Sentences

• There was a subtle change in her expression when he mentioned his name.
• The painting contains several subtle differences that are easy to miss.
• He gave her a subtle hint that he wanted to leave.
• The perfume has a subtle floral scent.
• The director uses subtle gestures to reveal the character's emotions.

Literary Example

Example:

“subtle as a serpent”

— William Shakespeare, Othello

Here, subtle describes someone who acts in a clever, indirect, and difficult-to-detect way. The word emphasizes deception that is not immediately obvious.

Story Workshop

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