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Definition of Subtle
1. Adjective. Difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze. "That elusive thing the soul"
2. Adjective. Able to make fine distinctions. "A subtle mind"
3. Adjective. Working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way. "A subtle poison"
Similar to: Harmful
Derivative terms: Insidiousness, Perniciousness
Definition of Subtle
1. a. Sly in design; artful; cunning; insinuating; subtile; -- applied to persons; as, a subtle foe.
Definition of Subtle
1. Adjective. Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable. ¹
2. Adjective. (context: of a thing) Cleverly contrived. ¹
3. Adjective. (context: of a person or animal) Cunning, skillful. ¹
4. Adjective. insidious ¹
5. Adjective. Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Subtle
1. so slight as to be difficult to detect [adj -TLER, -TLEST] : SUBTLY [adv]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Subtle
Literary usage of Subtle
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracián y Morales, Joseph Jacobs (1892)
"Here one requires extraordinary care, deep observation, subtle discernment, and
judicious decision. ccxcii Let your personal Dualities surpass those of your ..."
2. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1918)
"The pictures he then painted are true to nature, subtle in characterization and
abound in wholesome humor. FAGGING, in the schools of intermediate or ..."
3. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1918)
"... to indulge his taste for quoting wise saws, even if they fitted loosely in
the context, and to give to some sayings a subtle turn. ..."
Other Resources:
