YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

subtle

Adjective

IPA /ˈsʌtl/

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Meaning in plain English

Present or noticeable only in a small, delicate way that may require careful attention to detect.

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Pronunciation

subtle/ˈsʌtl/

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Two colours look almost alike
A small difference appears on close inspection

A subtle difference may be hard to notice at first.

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There was a subtle change in the colour of the sky.
The students discussed the subtle difference between the two expressions.

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There was a ________ change in the colour of the sky.

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subtle — Present or noticeable only in a small, delicate way that may require careful attention to detect.

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Present or noticeable only in a small, delicate way that may require careful attention to detect.

Compare: There was a subtle change in the colour of the sky.

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Word origin

From Old French sotil, ultimately Latin subtilis.

Did you know?

Subtle often describes differences, colours, flavours or hints.

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