subtleness


sub·tle

S0855300 (sŭt′l)adj. sub·tler, sub·tlest 1. a. So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive: a subtle smile.b. Difficult to understand; abstruse: an argument whose subtle point was lost on her opponent.2. Able to make fine distinctions: a subtle mind.3. Operating in a hidden, usually injurious way; insidious: a subtle poison.4. Archaic a. Characterized by skill or ingenuity; clever.b. Crafty or sly; devious.
[Middle English sotil, from Old French, from Latin subtīlis; see teks- in Indo-European roots.]
sub′tle·ness n.sub′tly adv.