单词 | subtle |
释义 | subtle (once / 229 pages) adj Something that is subtle is not obvious: a professional food taster might be able to perceive subtle differences of flavor that most people don't notice. Subtle is used for things that are hard to describe because of their complexity or delicacy: a way of thinking, arguing, or creating a work of art. The word is pronounced like "suttle" and it was originally spelled that way when it was borrowed from Old French, but the b got imported to make the word look more like its ultimate source, the Latin adjective subtilis. If you try to pronounce the b, your ignorance of how to say the word properly won't be very subtle! WORD FAMILYsubtle: subtilise, subtilize, subtlely, subtler, subtlest, subtlety, subtly, unsubtle+/subtilise: subtilised, subtilises, subtilising/subtilize: subtilized, subtilizes, subtilizing/subtlety: subtleties/unsubtle: unsubtly USAGE EXAMPLESThe truth is that permanent weight loss requires a subtle, manageable set of skills which likely vary from person to person. New York Times(May 02, 2016) The effect is subtle and simple, yet evocative of greater things. Washington Post(Dec 29, 2016) He likes to sit in his study and recount tales with subtle lessons. Washington Post(Dec 29, 2016) 1adj difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze his whole attitude had undergone a subtle change a subtle difference Syn elusive impalpable imperceptible to the senses or the mind 2adj able to make fine distinctions a subtle mind Syn perceptive having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment 3adj working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way a subtle poison Syn insidious, pernicious harmful causing or capable of causing harm |
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