subtlety

[ suht-l-tee ]

noun

, plural sub·tle·ties.

1. the state or quality of being subtle.
2. delicacy or nicety of character or meaning.
3. acuteness or penetration of mind; delicacy of discrimination.
4. a fine-drawn distinction; refinement of reasoning:

   the subtleties of logic.

5. something subtle.
6. History/Historical. an elaborate confection, ornate in construction and ornamentation, sometimes edible but more often made and used as a decoration for a table or buffet.

subtlety

/ ˈsʌtəltɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being subtle; delicacy
2. a fine distinction or the ability to make such a distinction
3. something subtle

Other Words From

• hyper·subtle·ty noun
• non·subtle·ty noun plural nonsubtleties
• over·subtle·ty noun plural oversubtleties

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtlety¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English subtelte, sutilte, from Old French sutilte, from Latin subtīlitāt-, stem of subtīlitās “fineness,” equivalent to subtīli(s) “fine, slender” ( subtile ) + -ty ²

Example Sentences

For George Harrison, the November 1970 release of "All Things Must Pass" possessed all the subtlety of an atomic bomb.

From Salon

Did you know that the subtleties within soy sauce can also be attributed to terroir?

From Salon

As a writer and director, Baker has dedicated much of his career to elucidating the subtleties of figures like Ani who are often relegated to the background.

From Salon

There is subtlety and nuance in each of these decisions, but they do collectively add up to a more Israel-sceptic posture than the last Conservative government adopted.

From BBC

What “Henry VI” may lack in subtlety, however, it more than makes up for in propulsive excitement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elegance
• intricacy