subtile

[ suht-l, suhb-til ]

adjective

, sub·til·er, sub·til·est.

1. subtle.

subtile

/ sʌbˈtɪlɪtɪ; ˈsʌtəl /

adjective

1. a rare spelling of subtle

Derived Forms

• ˈsubtilely, adverb
• ˈsubtilty, noun
• subtility, noun

Other Words From

• subtile·ly adverb
• subtile·ness noun
• non·subtile adjective
• non·subtile·ly adverb
• non·subtile·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtile¹

1325–75; Middle English < Latin subtīlis fine (originally of fabric), equivalent to sub- sub- + -tīlis, akin to tēla cloth on a loom, loom (< *tekslā, derivative of texere to weave; text )

Example Sentences

At Paris the Universe is seen, compos’d of Vortices of subtile Matter; but nothing like it is seen in London.

From Literature

Writing his great Dictionary, Samuel Johnson was won round to this democratic state of affairs: ‘sounds are too volatile and subtile for legal restraints; to enchain syllables, and to lash the wind, are equally the undertakings of pride.’

From Time

A water scavenger beetle called cryptopleurum subtile was identified in a survey of woody debris along the River Nethy near Aviemore.

From BBC

There are fewer than 20 records of cryptopleurum subtile in the UK.

From BBC

Recent scientific discoveries have conferred upon man new powers of investigation, whereby nature has been made to reveal secrets so subtile that they never had been dreamt of before in philosophy.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• extraordinary
• limited
• occasional
• scarce
• singular
• strange
• subtle
• uncommon
• unique
• unlikely
• unthinkable
• unusual