Looking up...
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.
Use 'subtle' when describing something that is not immediately noticeable but becomes apparent with closer observation.
From Middle English 'sotil,' from Old French 'sotil,' from Latin 'subtilis,' meaning 'fine, thin, delicate,' from 'sub-' (under) + 'tela' (web).
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.