Sekirov Dictionary

subtle

UK /ˈsʌtl̩/US /ˈsʌtəl/

adjective 17
verb 2
noun 1
forms 7

adjective17

•
(of an action or a change) so small that it is not easy to notice
- The mighty Magnet from the Center darts / This strong, tho' subtile Force, thro' all the Parts: / Its active Rays ejaculated thence, / Irradiate all the wide Circumference. — 1712
•
Giving only a slight impression; elusive, indistinct; also, skilfully restrained or understated.
- The difference between the tones is subtle, but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
Of an argument or concept, words, etc.: requiring one to distinguish between fine points, especially if it is difficult to do so; nice; also (generally), difficult to grasp; not easily understood or obvious.
Of a person: sensitive to the feelings of others; discreet, tactful.
•
Acting (especially causing harm) in a stealthy, often gradual, manner; insidious.
- And if King Edward be as true and iust, / As I am Subtle, False, and Treacherous, […] — 1593
•
Of a person, their intellect or mind, etc.: discerning, perceptive, shrewd, wise.
- [T]his heauenly foode is giuen for the satisfying of our emptie soules, and not for the exercising of our curious and subtle vvits. — 1597
Of an artist, a musician, etc.: having a light touch; sensitive.
(historical) Of a substance, especially a gas or liquid: of low density or thin consistency; rarefied, tenuous; hence, tending to spread everywhere due to this quality.
(no longer used) Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined.
(no longer used) Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small.
•
(no longer used) Of a person or animal, or of an action or words: clever or skilful in a crafty or devious way; cunning, sly, wily.
- If thou thinke thy selfe well fensed and sure, / Against euery sottle suggestion of vice, / Consider fraile glasse may no distres endure, / And great aduentures oft curse the dire: […] — 1536
(no longer used) Slender, thin.
(no longer used) Synonym of subtile (“of a ship: narrow, slender”).
(no longer used) Of a person or their fingers or hands, their ability, etc.: dexterous, skilful.
(no longer used) Of an object: cleverly contrived or made; also, of a plan, etc.: cleverly contrived or carried out.
(no longer used) Of weight: after the tare (“weight of an empty container”) has been subtracted; net.
•
(no longer used) Of ground used for bowling: not smooth; uneven.
- Like to a Bovvle vpon a subtle ground / I haue tumbled past the throvv: […] — 1608

verb2

(US) To make (something) subtle (“giving only a slight impression; also, skilfully restrained or understated”).
•
(no longer used, rare) To burn (someone or something) to ash.
- A fire subtle ye, are ye so crafty. — 1624

noun1

People or things that are subtle (adjective sense) as a class.

forms

subtled · subtling · subtles · more subtle · subtler · most subtle · subtlest

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