Subtleness

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.

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

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subtle·ness n.

subtly adv.