ˈsəd. ə l, -ə(b)t ə l, -əbtə̇l adjective
( sometimes subtiler -əd. ə lə(r), -ət( ə )lə-, -bt ə lə-, -btə̇lə- ; sometimes subtilest -əd. ə lə̇st, -ət( ə )lə̇-, -əbt ə lə̇-, -əbtə̇lə̇-)
Etymology: Middle English subtile, subtil, from Middle French subtil, alteration (influenced by Latin subtilis fine, thin, subtle) of Old French soutil, sotil subtle — more at subtle
1. : subtle: as
a. : of a delicate or tenuous nature : elusive
a subtile aroma
the subtile threads of life — D.L.Sharp
b. : marked by craft or cunning : artful , wily
fishing … is made the subtile excuse for getting away again for a day among the plants — American Botanist
2.
a. : keenly perceptive
a subtile sense
b. : keenly felt or perceived
a subtile joy
• sub·tile·ly -əd. ə l]ē, -ət( ə )l], -əbt ə l], -əbtə̇l], ]i\ adverb