When subtle came to first be used in Middle English its meaning was very much in this same lineage. It meant "perceptive, refined," and was used to describe people known for their clear …

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.

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

Something that is subtle is not immediately obvious or noticeable. ...the slow and subtle changes that take place in all living things. Intolerance can take subtler forms too.

Definition of subtle adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. (often approving) not very obvious or easy to notice. There are subtle differences between the two versions. The …

Jun 19, 2025 · subtle (comparative subtler or more subtle, superlative subtlest or most subtle) Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood. Barely noticeable, not obvious, indistinct. The …

Difficult to understand; abstruse. An argument whose subtle point was lost on her opponent.

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.

In the realm of communication or expression, being subtle means conveying ideas or emotions indirectly or with finesse, rather than employing explicit or direct means. Overall, "subtle" …