WordVale

subtle

/ˈsʌtəl/  ·  say it: SÜT·ul

so delicate as to be difficult to notice

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) not easily noticed or detected; slight and delicate

2. (adjective) clever and indirect; not obvious or straightforward

Examples

• 1. There is a subtle difference between the two colors that most people won't notice.
• 2. The author uses subtle humor throughout the novel that makes you smile rather than laugh out loud.

Nearby in Sophisticated Everyday

plausible, coherent, robust, intricate, candor, diligent