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Subtleness

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.04 sec.
sub·tle  (stl)
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.
a. Characterized by skill or ingenuity; clever.
b. Crafty or sly; devious.
c. Operating in a hidden, usually injurious way; insidious: a subtle poison.

[Middle English sotil, from Old French, from Latin subtlis; see teks- in Indo-European roots.]

subtle·ness n.
subtly adv.

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Consider the subtleness of the sea; how its most dreaded creatures glide under water, unapparent for the most part, and treacherously hidden beneath the loveliest tints of azure.
 
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