Oxford Dictionary English

    subtle

    adjective
    adjective
    BrE BrE//ˈsʌtl//
    ; NAmE NAmE//ˈsʌtl//
    (subtler, subtlest) more subtle is also common
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  1. 1(often approving) not very noticeable or obvious subtle colours/flavours/smells, etc. There are subtle differences between the two versions. The fragrance is a subtle blend of jasmine and sandalwood. She's been dropping subtle hints about what she'd like as a present. Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, seem, become, … adverbextremely, fairly, very, … See full entry
  2. 2(of a person or their behaviour) behaving in a clever way, and using indirect methods, in order to achieve something I decided to try a more subtle approach. Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, seem, become, … adverbextremely, fairly, very, … See full entry
  3. 3organized in a clever way a subtle plan a subtle use of lighting in the play Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, seem, become, … adverbextremely, fairly, very, … See full entry
  4. 4good at noticing and understanding things The job required a subtle mind.
    5.  Word OriginMiddle English (also in the sense ‘not easily understood’): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis.Extra examples infinitely subtle tonal gradations making infinitely subtle distinctions For a natural glow to your skin mix a subtle shade of blusher with loose powder. Her paintings are characterized by sweeping brush strokes and subtle colours.
See subtle in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic EnglishSee subtle in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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