Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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Definition
subtle adjective
/ˈsʌt.l ̩/
/ˈsʌt ̬-/ adj approving
/ˈsʌt ̬-/ adj approving •
not loud, bright, noticeable or obvious in any way
The room was painted a subtle shade of pink.
The play's message is perhaps too subtle to be understood by young children.
•
small but important
There is a subtle difference between these two plans.
•
achieved in a quiet way which does not attract attention to itself and which is therefore good or clever
a subtle plan/suggestion
subtle questions
subtly
adverb
/ˈsʌt.l ̩.i//ˈsʌt ̬-/ adv
/ˈsʌt ̬-/ adv This discovery had subtly changed/altered the way I thought about myself.
(Definition of subtle adjective from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
