adj. sub·tler, sub·tlest 1. a. So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive: a subtle smile. b. Difficult to understand; abstruse: an argument whose subtle point was lost on her opponent. 2. Able to make fine distinctions: a subtle mind. 3. Operating in a hidden, usually injurious way; insidious: a subtle poison. 4. Archaic a. Characterized by skill or ingenuity; clever. b. Crafty or sly; devious. [Middle English sotil, from Old French, from Latin subtīlis; see teks- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] subtle·ness n. subtly adv. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.