| 释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024sub•tle /ˈsʌtəl/USA pronunciation adj., -tler, -tlest. - delicate;
hard to notice by means of the senses:the subtle smell of her perfume. - difficult to notice, perceive, understand, or explain:the subtle irony of his jokes.
- delicate or faint;
mysterious:a subtle smile. - cunning, wily, or crafty:a subtle liar.
sub•tly, adv. WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024sub•tle (sut′l),USA pronunciation adj., -tler, -tlest. - thin, tenuous, or rarefied, as a fluid or an odor.
- fine or delicate in meaning or intent;
difficult to perceive or understand:subtle irony. - delicate or faint and mysterious:a subtle smile.
- requiring mental acuteness, penetration, or discernment:a subtle philosophy.
- characterized by mental acuteness or penetration:a subtle understanding.
- cunning, wily, or crafty:a subtle liar.
- insidious in operation:subtle poison.
- skillful, clever, or ingenious:a subtle painter.
- Latin)
- Latin subtīlis subtile (b of modern spelling, spelled
- Old French
- Middle English sotil 1250–1300
- 6.See corresponding entry in Unabridged sly, tricky, foxy, slick.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: subtle /ˈsʌtəl/ adj - not immediately obvious or comprehensible
- 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
- marked by or requiring mental acuteness or ingenuity; discriminating
- delicate or faint: a subtle shade
- cunning or wily: a subtle rogue
- operating or executed in secret: a subtle intrigue
Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French soutil, from Latin subtīlis finely wovenˈsubtleness n ˈsubtly adv |