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subtle
/ˈsʌtəl/
not obvious or easily noticed
Her subtle hint about the surprise party was almost missed.
She gave a hint that was not obvious, making it easy to overlook.
general
so slight as to be difficult to detect or analyze
The artist used subtle shades of blue to create depth in the painting.
The artist used very slight variations of blue to give the painting a sense of depth.
There was a subtle change in his behavior after the meeting.
His behavior changed in a very slight way after the meeting.
Often used to describe things that are delicate, refined, or not immediately apparent.
Collocations
subtle differencea slight or hard-to-notice differencesubtle hinta hint that is not obvioussubtle changea slight or gradual change
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'subtle' when describing something that is not immediately noticeable but becomes apparent with closer observation.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'sotil,' from Old French 'sotil,' from Latin 'subtilis,' meaning 'fine, thin, delicate,' from 'sub-' (under) + 'tela' (web).
Usage Notes
The word 'subtle' is often used to describe things that require careful attention to notice, such as subtle differences, hints, or changes. It can also describe people who are perceptive or have a refined sense of understanding.
Word Breakdown
sub-
under, beneath
prefix-tile
related to weaving or fine texture
rootEnglish Dictionary