subtilize

[ suht-l-ahyz, suhb-tuh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing.

1. to elevate in character; sublimate.
2. to make (the mind, senses, etc.) keen or discerning; sharpen.
3. to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.
4. to make thin, rare, or more fluid or volatile; refine.

verb (used without object)

, sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing.

1. to make subtle distinctions or to argue subtly.

subtilize

/ ˈsʌtɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to bring to a purer state; refine
2. to debate subtly
3. tr to make (the mind, etc) keener

Derived Forms

• ˌsubtiliˈzation, noun
• ˈsubtilˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• subtil·i·zation noun
• subtil·izer noun
• super·subtil·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtilize¹

1585–95; < Medieval Latin subtīlizāre, equivalent to subtīl ( is ) subtle + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

The former, which had long been his delight, he had contrived to subtilize into an almost unintelligible mysticism; and in this form it speedily spread its infection through his new faith, which was besides further metamorphosed and changed in character by an infusion from the dualistic system of Persia.

From Project Gutenberg

There was, therefore, no source of development, and nothing was left for the later Scholastics except to dispute as to the meaning of principles, to comment on the text of this master or of that, and to subtilize to such an extent that Scholasticism soon became a synonym for captious quibbling.

From Project Gutenberg

In To The Lighthouse, which Critic Daiches calls "the perfection of Virginia Woolf's art," the rhythms of time and death and change suffuse and subtilize a half-mystic seascape, a long-delayed excursion, an equally delayed resolving of family discord.

From Time Magazine Archive

Its Office is to Subtilize the Blood by cleansing and refining it.

From Project Gutenberg

I grant the Muse Has often blush’d at her degenerate sons, Retain’d by sense to plead her filthy cause; To raise the low, to magnify the mean, And subtilize the gross into refined: As if to magic numbers’ powerful charm 10 ’Twas given, to make a civet of their song Obscene, and sweeten ordure to perfume.

From Project Gutenberg