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subtle
Definition from Dictionary, a free dictionary
Will power is to the mind like a strong blind man who carries on his shoulders a lame man who can see.
Arthur SchopenhauerContents
English
Alternative spellings
Etymology
Old English sotil, subtil, Old French soutil, later subtil, French subtil, [[w:Template:lang:la language|Template:lang:la]][[Category:Template:lang:la derivations]] subtilis; probably, originally, “woven fine”, and from sub (“‘under’”) + tela (“‘a web’”), from texere (“‘to weave’”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
subtle (comparative {{{1}}}, superlative {{{2}}})|
Positive |
Comparative |
Superlative |
- Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.
- The difference is subtle, but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
- (Template loop detected: Template:context 1) Cleverly contrived.
- (Template loop detected: Template:context 1) Cunning, skillful.
- insidious
- William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Richard the Third, act iv, scene 4
- Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle, bloody, treacherous.
- William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Richard the Third, act iv, scene 4
Synonyms
Translations
hard to grasp
cleverly contrived
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insidious
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Translations to be checked
References
- "subtle" at The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911.
“subtle” in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
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