/ ˈsʌtl; NAmE / adjective ( sub·tler , sub·tlest )
HELP NOTE : more subtle is also common
1.
(often approving ) not very noticeable or obvious :
subtle colours / flavours / smells, etc.
There are subtle differences between the two versions.
She's been dropping subtle hints about what she'd like as a present.
2.
( of a person or their behaviour ) behaving in a clever way, and using indirect methods, in order to achieve sth :
I decided to try a more subtle approach.
3.
organized in a clever way :
a subtle plan
a subtle use of lighting in the play
4.
good at noticing and understanding things :
The job required a subtle mind.
► subtly / ˈsʌtli; NAmE / adverb :
Her version of events is subtly different from what actually happened.
Not very subtly, he raised the subject of money.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (also in the sense not easily understood ): from Old French sotil , from Latin subtilis .