subtle
adjective /ˈsʌtl/
/ˈsʌtl/
(comparative subtler
more subtle is also common /ˈsʌtələ(r)/
/ˈsʌtələr/
, superlative subtlest /ˈsʌtəlɪst/
/ˈsʌtəlɪst/
)- (often approving) not very obvious or easy to notice
- subtle colours/flavours/smells, etc.
- There are subtle differences between the two versions.
- The fragrance is a subtle blend of jasmine and sandalwood.
- She's been dropping subtle hints about what she'd like as a present.
Extra ExamplesTopics Colours and Shapesc1- For a natural glow to your skin mix a subtle shade of blusher with loose powder.
- Her paintings are characterized by sweeping brush strokes and subtle colours.
- making infinitely subtle distinctions
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- seem
- become
- …
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
- behaving or organized in a clever way, and using indirect methods, in order to achieve something
- I decided to try a more subtle approach.
- a subtle plan
- a subtle use of lighting in the play
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- seem
- become
- …
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
- good at noticing and understanding things
- The job required a subtle mind.
Word OriginMiddle English (also in the sense ‘not easily understood’): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis.