subtly

[ suht-l-lee, suht-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is so fine or delicate as to be difficult to perceive:

   The vegetables tasted subtly of the grill, but each still held its own unique flavor.

2. in a way that shows or requires mental penetration or discernment:

   In the press, comment and analysis must be subtly distinguished from news.

3. in a way that shows highly refined skill; cleverly or ingeniously:

   He has developed his own style of playing the whistle and subtly incorporates features that evoke other traditional instruments.

4. in a wily or cunning way; craftily:

   Under the guise of journalistic objectivity, news programs subtly play on our emotions—chiefly on our fears.

Other Words From

• non·sub·tly adverb
• o·ver·sub·tly adverb
• pseu·do·sub·tly adverb
• un·sub·tly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtly¹

subt(le) ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Actual antagonistic and intimidating shows of force were increasing, too, if subtly.

From Salon

Black dancers, Jamison said, still face discrimination — even if “it happens more subtly.”

From Los Angeles Times

In those shows, multimillionaires and billionaires adopt this style of “quiet luxury,” defined by Vogue as “a look that will stand the test of time, as it’s essentially a synonym for elevated basics,” in order to subtly express their status among others in their peer group, but otherwise retain the freedom to blend in among the masses.

From Salon

What makes the impasse especially affecting is how Jelks and Holland subtly evoke how alike yet different two closely connected men with brutal pasts can be.

From Los Angeles Times

“You could be having dinner with him in a restaurant where there is a little lamp or a candle on the table, and he doesn’t even realize it anymore but he subtly starts to adjust the light,” Cuarón tells me.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• casually
• delicately
• easily
• faintly
• freely
• gingerly
• mildly
• moderately
• quietly
• simply
• slightly
• softly
• sparsely
• tenderly
• thinly