The meaning of SUBTLE is pleasing to the senses in a mild or nuanced way : delicate, elusive. How to use subtle in a sentence. Why is there a 'b' in subtle?
Something that is subtle is not obvious: a professional food taster might be able to perceive subtle differences of flavor that most people don't notice.
Definition of subtle adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. (often approving) not very obvious or easy to notice. There are subtle differences between the two versions. The fragrance is a subtle blend of jasmine and sandalwood. She's been dropping subtle hints about what she'd like as a present.
Something that is subtle is not immediately obvious or noticeable. ...the slow and subtle changes that take place in all living things. Intolerance can take subtler forms too.
2. difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined: a subtle scent. 5. delicate or faint: a subtle shade. 6. cunning or wily: a subtle rogue. 7. operating or executed in secret: a subtle intrigue.
difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined: a subtle scent showing or making or capable of showing or making fine distinctions of meaning
(archaic) Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined. (archaic) Slender, thin. (archaic) Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small.
There are 25 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word subtle, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
