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subtlety Definition

sub·tlety (-tē)

noun

  1. the quality or condition of being subtle; esp., the ability or tendency to make fine distinctions
  2. pl. -·ties something subtle; esp., a fine distinction

Etymology: ME sutelte < OFr sotillete < L subtilitas

subtlety Synonyms

subtlety

n.

  1. A fine distinction

    nuance, innuendo; see distinction 1.

  2. Delicacy

    intricacy, exquisiteness, elegance; see delicacy 1.

subtlety Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • tone: Detail is excellent and subtlety of tones in skin, highlights, and shadows is well rendered.
  • color: Under comparison, the " Photo " didn't have anything like the subtlety of colors that either of the higher settings had.
  • relationship: What is interesting is the subtlety of relationship which emerged between the two.
  • language: Nor is he unfamiliar with the subtleties of the Greek language.
  • character: Neither Mash nor Tammy have quite the subtlety of character that makes the other characters so appealing.
  • music: Here the choir of Selwyn, Cambridge really bring out the heart and the subtlety of this remarkable music.

Converse of object

  • appreciate: This bar's too noisy to appreciate the subtleties.
  • reveal: A fascinating cue like ' The Peephole ' reveals the subtlety of Herrmann's writing.
  • lack: US foreign policy is seen as lacking subtlety and nuance, and disconnected from the rest of the world.
  • remember: Remember that subtlety is stylish; you don't want to come across as overpowering with your theme.
  • understand: Finally, music at its best will help the audience understand the delicate subtlety of the storyline - the subtext.
  • capture: He is able to represent the language of the East Anglian perfectly and capture the subtleties of the dialect.

Adjective modifier

  • metaphysical: There is much more metaphysical subtlety in the word " damn " than in the word " degeneration.
  • rhythmic: They bring rhetorical and rhythmic subtleties seldom heard or even attempted by other players.
  • harmonic: The listener deserves time to hear Bach's harmonic subtleties.
  • infinite: They can signify infinite subtleties which seem ' beyond words ' .
  • extraordinary: He captures the man's gradual change from confident and capable to wiser and conflicted with extraordinary subtlety.
  • psychological: In true Banachek style, each move, gesture and psychological subtlety is covered in detail.

Preposition: in

  • way: This handles a few subtleties in the standard way required by POSIX.
  • abundance: In short, there are many imaginative touches, and interpretative subtlety in abundance.
subtlety Quotes

Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

—Bible (Old Testament)

The subtlety of nature isgreater many times over than the subtlety of the senses and understanding.

—Bacon, Francis,Viscount St Albans

Browse dictionary entries near subtlety

  1. subtle
  2. subtitle
  3. subtilize
  4. subtile
  5. subtext
  6. subterranean
  7. subterfuge
  8. subter-
  9. subtend
  10. subtenant
  1. subtonic
  2. subtopic
  3. subtotal
  4. subtract
  5. subtraction
  6. subtractive
  7. subtrahend
  8. subtreasury
  9. subtropical
  10. subtropics