| 释义 |
sub·tle·ty
\ˈsəd.əltē, ˈsətəl-, -əlti\ noun
(-es)
Etymology: Middle English sutilte, sotilte, from Old French sutilté, soutilleté, sutilitet, from Latin subtilitat-, subtilitas, from subtilis fine, subtle + -itat-, -itas -ity
1. : the quality or state of being subtle: as
a. : the quality of being tenuous, intangible, indefinable, abstruse, or remote
b. : mental acuteness or penetrativeness : the power or practice of drawing delicate distinctions; also : the quality in a mental operation or its product that results from such power
2. : something that emanates from a subtle person or mind: as
a. : a fine-drawn or delicate distinction : a refinement of analysis, perception, or comprehension
< avoid subtleties in a popular discussion >
b. : an ingenious contrivance; especially : a decorative and sometimes edible confection made in an ornamental design
c. : an instance of craft or guile
< the subtleties of a twisted mind >
3. : something that is subtle and especially tenuous, impalpable, or difficult to perceive or trace |