Definition Synonyms
Definition of subtle - Reverso English Dictionary
Adjective
1.
faintbarely noticeable or indistinct
- There was a subtle hint of vanilla in the cake.
2.
delicate sensorydelicate and complex in a pleasant way
- The wine had a subtle aroma of berries.
3.
clever designcleverly designed or contrived
- The subtle design of the gadget impressed everyone.
4.
acutecapable of making fine distinctions
- A subtle mind can discern minute details..
5.
cunning personcunning or skillful in achieving goals
- She used a subtle approach to win the negotiation.
6.
hidden harmworking in a hidden and harmful way
- The disease had a subtle onset, making it hard to detect.
Expressions with subtle
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extremely obvious or forceful
His criticism was subtle as a sledgehammer, leaving no room for doubt.
small hints or signals
She gave subtle cues to show she was interested.
Origin of subtle
Latin, subtilis (fine, delicate)
Terms with subtle included in their meaning
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color variation
subtle variations in color
person or event
noisy and not subtle or reserved
subtlety
implies a subtle quality or nuance
subtle introduction
introduce a topic subtly in a discussion
subtle sarcasm
subtle and often sarcastic humor
subtle color
having a color that does not attract attention
subtle color
having a color that does not attract attention
subtle encouragement
encourage someone subtly to do something
emotion
showing contempt or mocking in a subtle way
secret seeking
attempt to learn secrets by making subtle remarks or hints
influence
gain access or influence in a subtle way
irritating
causing irritation or annoyance in a subtle way
hidden racism
subtle or hidden racist message or implication
hint
subtle hint suggesting someone is at fault
communication
subtle insults
sound
subtle or faint in sound
cunning
in a cunning and subtle way
change
gradual or subtle progression or change
harm
causing harm or damage in a subtle way
humor
having a more subtle or understated humor
indirect suggestion
give a subtle suggestion or clue indirectly
communication
make subtle suggestions without saying directly
comedy
humor using subtle irony and a serious expression
subtle criticism
criticize someone in a subtle way
Examples of subtle in a sentence
Her subtle smile conveyed her true feelings. Her subtle smile conveyed more than words could. The artist used subtle colors to enhance the painting's depth. The architect's subtle use of space was brilliant. Her subtle approach to the problem was effective. Her subtle observations often went unnoticed.
The artist's subtle use of color created a calming effect. His subtle tactics outsmarted the competition. The spy's subtle movements went unnoticed. The subtle effects of the policy went unnoticed for years. His subtle manipulation caused significant damage over time.
View all translations of subtle
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:subtil, délicat, ...
- German:subtil, raffiniert, ...
- Italian:sottile, delicato, ...
- Spanish:sutil, delicado, ...
- Portuguese:sutil, delicado, ...
- Chinese:微妙, 微妙的, ...
- Japanese:微妙な, 繊細な, ...
- Arabic:خافِت, رَقِيق, ...
- Hebrew:עֲדִין, מְעוּדָן, ...
- Russian:тонкий, утончённый, ...
- Ukrainian:ледь помітний, тонкий, ...
- Hindi:हल्का, नाजुक, ...
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