Subtle (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way; "glaucoma is an insidious disease"; "a subtle poison".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The subtle toxin in the water supply had been causing health problems for years before it was detected.
• The company's subtle manipulation of the market had gone unnoticed by regulators until it was too late.
• The subtle effects of the pesticide on the ecosystem were not immediately apparent, but they had a devastating impact over time.
• The subtle poison in the plant's leaves made it a favorite among assassins throughout history.
• The subtle influence of the corrupt politician's money had spread throughout the government, undermining its integrity.

Synonyms

• Pernicious
• Insidious

Meaning ²

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".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The new employee's subtle approach to management won over the team's trust.
• Her subtle humor often went unnoticed by those who didn't know her well.
• The chef's use of herbs added a subtle flavor to the dish that was hard to describe.
• The subtle variations in tone made the painting's meaning open to interpretation.
• The therapist's subtle suggestions helped the patient to slowly work through her issues.

Synonyms

• Elusive

Meaning ³

Able to make fine distinctions; "a subtle mind".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The psychologist was known for her subtle mind, able to pick up on the nuances of human behavior that others might miss.
• His subtle analysis of the data revealed a trend that had gone unnoticed by previous researchers.
• She was a subtle and discerning reader, able to appreciate the complex themes and motifs woven throughout the novel.
• The philosopher's subtle argument challenged the prevailing wisdom on the nature of free will.
• With his subtle eye for detail, the detective was able to reconstruct the crime scene with remarkable accuracy.