Subtle comes ultimately from a Latin pair: the prefix sub-, meaning "under," and tela, meaning "web." The two were joined in Latin subtilis, meaning "finely woven."

SUBTLE definition: 1. not loud, bright, noticeable, or obvious in any way: 2. small but important: 3. achieved in a…. Learn more.

Something that is subtle is not obvious: a professional food taster might be able to perceive subtle differences of flavor that most people don't notice.

2. difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined: a subtle scent. 5. delicate or faint: a subtle shade. 6. cunning or wily: a subtle rogue. 7. operating or executed in …

A subtle person cleverly uses indirect methods to achieve something. I even began to exploit him in subtle ways. He is a subtle character, you know.

Oct 23, 2017 · Definition of subtle adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

difficult to detect or analyse, often through being delicate or highly refined: a subtle scent showing or making or capable of showing or making fine distinctions of meaning

Oct 8, 2025 · subtle (third-person singular simple present subtles, present participle subtling, simple past and past participle subtled) (transitive) (chiefly US) To make (something) subtle (“ …

Subtle definition: thin, tenuous, or rarefied, as a fluid or an odor.. See examples of SUBTLE used in a sentence.

There are 25 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word subtle, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.