Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
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Subtle
Not obvious or easily noticed; delicate and precise, requiring careful thought to notice or understand.
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Imagine This
A submarine made out of tiles is harder to follow by radar underwater than regular metal submarines.
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Sounds Like
SUT-uhl
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Looks Like
Similar to subtle or subtlety; visually resembles the word 'subtle' and shares the same root meaning.
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Remember This
Subtle describes nuance, fine distinctions, or understated qualities rather than obvious features.
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Other Forms
subtleradjective
subtlyadverb
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Connect With
nuance, delicacy, refinement, understatedness, fine distinction
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Note
Subtle often contrasts with obvious or overt; it implies refinement, tact, or a lack of directness. Do not confuse with 'substantial' or 'slight' in a way that changes emphasis.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her subtle smile suggested approval without saying a word.
- There was a subtle difference between the two proposals that affected the outcome.
Synonyms
nuanceddelicateunderstatedsubduedfaint
Antonyms
obviousblatantconspicuous
Etymology
From Latin subtilis 'fine, delicate', via Old French subtil; related to 'subtlety'.
Mnemonic
Silent B: The b in subtle is silent, reminding you that subtle things are not obvious and require careful attention to notice.
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Disingenuous
adjectiveNot candid or sincere; intentionally pretending to be naive or harmless in order to mislead others.
Contiguous
adjectiveTouching or sharing a common border; adjacent or directly next to something with no gap between them.
Kindle
verbTo light or start a fire; to arouse or inflame (a feeling, interest, or emotion).
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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