subtle

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.

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subtle

Adjective

1. not immediately obvious: a subtle change in his views

2. (of a colour, taste, or smell) delicate or faint: the subtle aroma

3. using shrewd and indirect methods to achieve an objective

4. having or requiring the ability to make fine distinctions: a subtle argument [Latin subtilis finely woven]

subtly adv

Thesaurus

Adj.	1.	subtle - difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze; "his whole attitude had undergone a subtle change"; "a subtle difference"; "that elusive thing the soul" elusive impalpable - imperceptible to the senses or the mind; "an impalpable cloud"; "impalpable shadows"; "impalpable distinctions"; "as impalpable as a dream"
	2.	subtle - able to make fine distinctions; "a subtle mind" perceptive - having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment; "a perceptive eye"; "a perceptive observation"
	3.	subtle - working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way; "glaucoma is an insidious disease"; "a subtle poison" pernicious, insidious harmful - causing or capable of causing harm; "too much sun is harmful to the skin"; "harmful effects of smoking"

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subtle

adjective 1. faint, slight, implied, delicate, indirect, understated, insinuated << OPPOSITE obvious

adjective 2. crafty, cunning, sly, designing, scheming, intriguing, shrewd, ingenious, astute, devious, wily, artful, Machiavellian << OPPOSITE straightforward

adjective 3. muted, soft, subdued, low-key, toned down

adjective 4. fine, minute, narrow, tenuous, hair-splitting

Translations

subtle [ˈsʌtl] adj → sutil

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subtle [ˈsʌtl] adj → subtil(e)

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subtle [ˈsʌtl] adj → fein;

(indirect) → raffiniert

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subtle [ˈsʌtl] adj → sottile; [flavour, perfume] → delicato/a