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

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

With their international team-mate Santiago Carreras also now back in contention to pull strings for Gloucester, the end of the Rugby Championship may subtly alter the balance of Premiership power in weeks to come.

From BBC

The decadent Brillat-Savarin, a triple-cream delight, embodies the vibrant foraging of goats, while Spring Cheddar — made from the milk of cows that have grazed spring pastures — is subtly sweet and lightly herbaceous.

From Salon

Related Words

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