Definition of subtle in English:

subtle

adjectivesubtler, subtlest ˈsʌt(ə)lˈsədl

1(especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe.
（尤指变化或差别）微妙的；细微的；难以描述的；难以分析的
his language expresses rich and subtle meanings
他的语言表达了丰富而又深奥的含义。
Example sentencesExamples
- However, when both languages are in the same book, subtle differences make it difficult for some readers, usually those reading in Spanish.
- But take a look at the television advertisements targeting Hispanic voters in this state, and you'll notice a subtle change.
- I saw young black spruces growing higher than ever before on boreal hillsides in Alaska, and subtle changes transform the tundra.
- More fundamentally, this book is at times reckless in its disregard for the subtle changes in the representation of religious differences across the period from Shakespeare to Milton.
- I've been online since 1996 as a writer, and the sea change was subtle, but serious.
- Some of us have a finely tuned nose, able to detect subtle differences and describe fragrance with colourful adjectives such as musky, syrupy and spicy.
- But the changes are so subtle that they are difficult to apprehend and you cannot be certain that this is the case.
- Imaging techniques used by the team can demonstrate extremely subtle changes in the structures of the brain as the disease progresses and detect any change in response to treatment.
- The actors lip-synch the songs and Neil creates different personalities with subtle changes in his voice.
- Although there are subtle changes on Parade, it's not radically dissimilar to what fans have come to expect.
- I miss subtle changes in language over a magazine's course.
- They alleviate the difficulties of observing subtle changes that are difficult to observe with more established methods such as superimposition.
- As time went by, a subtle change began to overtake her, transforming her by degrees into another person hardly recognizable to her children.
- But change is subtle and sometimes imperceptible.
- But mostly change is subtle, almost delicate, and it is viewed most clearly not from the stand or drawing room but with a squint-eyed look from across the net.
- For how spare it is, the track is incredibly moving as every subtle change and alteration in the slowly accumulating tones takes on heavy emotional weight.
- They can also remove certain features of a landscape to enhance others and isolate subtle changes with mathematical precision.
- But the catches have been going down faster than the quotas and environmentalists suspect the bigger factor is a chain of subtle changes triggered by a slight rise in temperature in the North Sea.
- Again it appears to be that the most sensitive organ is the liver, and nobody has done a careful study to look at whether there are subtle changes in muscle or other tissues yet.
- The software analyses voice patterns, and detects subtle changes which can point to the claimants lying.
Synonyms
fine, fine-drawn, ultra-fine, nice, overnice, minute, precise, narrow, tenuous
hair-splitting, indistinct, indefinite, elusive, abstruse
informal minuscule
1. 1.1 (of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated.
  （混合物，效果）精细复杂的；轻描淡写的；隐约的
  subtle lighting
  隐隐约约的灯光。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The way he used elements of other film scores for certain subtle effects.
  Moreover, pasteurisation would ruin the subtle cheese flavours stemming from the hillside pastures.
  The effect is subtle, yet it works, and while the overall result is undeniably decadent, the space feels individual as opposed to ostentatious.
  More subtle effects of air resistance on projectile motion are related to the shape and rotation of the object.
  There is a hint of gold and a very slight sweetness with a subtle herb flavour and a gentle smell of newly-mown hay: a delicate flavouring that doesn't overpower the vodka.
  Various sweet dishes, of which ice cream is the most obvious example, can be given a subtle tea flavour, but some is also used in some parts of the world for savoury dishes.
  Fortunately it means bargain prices for this complex and subtle wine, which is on sale in limited quantities for €8.89 a bottle.
  No study can adequately predict the long-term and subtle effects of a vaccine prior to its introduction to a group as large as most of the population of our planet.
  Creamy nutty oak flavours backing up some subtle fruit flavours of nectarine, peach and apple juice.
  White tea should only be blended with very subtle ingredients, if any at all, to prevent it from being overpowered.
  This elusive goal requires a deep understanding of the components of speech and of the subtle effects of a person's volume, pitch, timing and emphasis.
  By themselves, these genes had only subtle effects on the temporal pattern of egg laying.
  The defiant stare, too, would have made a subtle effect, emphasised by the averted, pixellated face of the tubby, shorter guard.
  My Munchurian Chicken was mild, the chicken complemented by a subtle sauce flavoured with onions, garlic, ginger, finely chopped herbs and plenty of pepper.
  It's quite a subtle effect, but it's definitely there.
  The pasta, which was tossed in a white wine and cream sauce, received a good response and was praised for its subtle mushroom flavours.
  Limes have a stimulating, wake-me-up freshness that sets off the less obvious flavours of more subtle fruits and vegetables.
  The last time there was wind from this direction it brought with it a torrential horizontal downpour of rain, but no hope or fear of that this time. The effect is more subtle.
  A third factor is that subtle effects of preen oil may not be detectable in captive birds.
  Try using pigment pads on dark paper for a subtle effect.
  Synonyms
  understated, low-key, muted, toned down, subdued
  delicate, faint, pale, soft, indistinct, indefinite, vague, washed out
2. 1.2 Capable of making fine distinctions.
  敏锐的
  a subtle mind
  敏锐的头脑。
  Example sentencesExamples
  One can easily imagine why a parent would want to make their children more capable of subtle discernment of where their real interests lie.
  That was not an impossible ideal but it did require a subtle mind to grasp it.
  However, the truth is the mind is very subtle and it has the ability to rationalize which can turn the obvious into the ambiguous, and vice versa.
  There is another, parsimonious explanation that escapes many would be subtle minds.
  She read and brooded over philosophical problems; her mind was subtle, but her judgements were sometimes uncertain.
  Synonyms
  astute, keen, quick, fine, acute, sharp, razor-like, razor-sharp, rapier-like, canny, shrewd, aware, perceptive, discerning, sensitive, discriminating, penetrating, sagacious, wise, clever, intelligent, skilful, artful
  sapient, percipient, perspicacious
  informal on the ball, savvy
  archaic politic
3. 1.3 Arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way.
  精妙的，精巧的；精湛的
  the German plan was simple yet subtle
  Example sentencesExamples
  Instead, they rally the people through subtle statements straight from the heart.
  I've found more subtle, quiet ways to make sure everyone around pays attention to me now.
  Instead, these works are subtle and quiet, yet filled with mood.
  By means of ingenious and subtle arguments and making the fewest possible assumptions, he arrived at the following conclusions.
  The rum opens up the subtle and elaborate world of flavours within each chocolate.
2Making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something.
灵活的；巧妙的
he tried a more subtle approach
他试了一种更巧妙的方法。
Example sentencesExamples
- These strategic dilemmas are supported with some subtle and clever tactical dynamics.
- Siblings' methods may be subtle, but they're no less cutting.
- However subtle and indirect, its provenance in the peace settlement reveals it to be too much an enterprise of political imposition, and too little of genuine consent.
- Lynn's method is at once subtle and mechanical.
- Throughout the history of nations, inflation has been a time-honored and subtle method for governments to plunder its citizenry.
- Yet the approach may be more subtle - and quite clever as well.
- He will use diplomatic methods and more subtle military pressure.
- More subtle methods were employed in achieving operational and strategic success.
- Some of the solutions to your problems are very subtle and clever.
- But their moves were quiet and furtive, and hard to trace, and so I was forced to use subtle methods to seek the root of this vile blossom.
- Girls tend to use more indirect, subtle, and social methods such as exclusion, manipulation, and spreading rumors.
- His methods aren't subtle but when you have megalomaniacal ambitions it's easy not to be shy about getting your hands dirty while disposing of assorted Latino gangsters.
- It is subtle and clever and knows how to get our attention.
- The function of formal rules and accountability mechanisms in the regulation of police work is more indirect and subtle.
- The characters are revealed in clever and subtle ways.
- These were the new readers the Irish Times had to attract in order to survive, and Gageby set out on a subtle course to achieve it.
- Jesus used an indirect and subtle method of communication which may well have been more effective than direct, dogmatic statements.
- Instead, Adams is relying on more subtle methods to protect his old lady's integrity.
- They would prefer more subtle methods of signaling unhappiness with a stock.
- Then again, maybe we won't, as this is the kind of information that can be used in very subtle ways to achieve certain ends.
3archaic Crafty; cunning.
〈古〉狡猾的，狡诈的
the subtle fiend dissembled
Example sentencesExamples
- The King James Version uses subtle rather than crafty, but the meaning is the same.
- But the serpent was as subtle and cunning as ever, more than any other beast who dwelt within the garden which the Gods had made.
Synonyms
ingenious, clever, skilful, adroit, cunning, crafty, wily, artful, devious

Derivatives

subtleness

noun ˈsʌt(ə)lnəsˈsəd(ə)lnəs

One of those paths led to a life of complacency, of subtleness and of eternal peace while the other path led to a small possibility of a mysterious future unknown to him but gave a sense of greatness that thrilled the man to the bone.
Example sentencesExamples
- I would have liked it even better had it been more of peach and cardamom taste, but it was still nice and sweet, and you might see its subtleness as ‘discreet’.
- Granted, Kris wasn't known for his tact or his subtleness, but he had a point.
- But Jake's sensitivity and subtleness in this role are just huge.
- At first, the subtleness of the message did not reach her, but as the thoughts formed in her head, her body fell numb.

Origin

Middle English (also in the sense 'not easily understood'): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis.

‘Not easily understood’ was an early sense of subtle, via Old French sotil from Latin subtilis meaning ‘fine, delicate’.

Rhymes

buttle, cuttle, rebuttal, scuttle, shuttle, surrebuttal

Definition of subtle in US English:

subtle

adjectiveˈsədlˈsədl

1(especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.
（尤指变化或差别）微妙的；细微的；难以描述的；难以分析的
his language expresses rich and subtle meanings
他的语言表达了丰富而又深奥的含义。
Example sentencesExamples
- The actors lip-synch the songs and Neil creates different personalities with subtle changes in his voice.
- Imaging techniques used by the team can demonstrate extremely subtle changes in the structures of the brain as the disease progresses and detect any change in response to treatment.
- Although there are subtle changes on Parade, it's not radically dissimilar to what fans have come to expect.
- For how spare it is, the track is incredibly moving as every subtle change and alteration in the slowly accumulating tones takes on heavy emotional weight.
- Some of us have a finely tuned nose, able to detect subtle differences and describe fragrance with colourful adjectives such as musky, syrupy and spicy.
- I saw young black spruces growing higher than ever before on boreal hillsides in Alaska, and subtle changes transform the tundra.
- But the catches have been going down faster than the quotas and environmentalists suspect the bigger factor is a chain of subtle changes triggered by a slight rise in temperature in the North Sea.
- However, when both languages are in the same book, subtle differences make it difficult for some readers, usually those reading in Spanish.
- I've been online since 1996 as a writer, and the sea change was subtle, but serious.
- But mostly change is subtle, almost delicate, and it is viewed most clearly not from the stand or drawing room but with a squint-eyed look from across the net.
- But the changes are so subtle that they are difficult to apprehend and you cannot be certain that this is the case.
- More fundamentally, this book is at times reckless in its disregard for the subtle changes in the representation of religious differences across the period from Shakespeare to Milton.
- Again it appears to be that the most sensitive organ is the liver, and nobody has done a careful study to look at whether there are subtle changes in muscle or other tissues yet.
- As time went by, a subtle change began to overtake her, transforming her by degrees into another person hardly recognizable to her children.
- They can also remove certain features of a landscape to enhance others and isolate subtle changes with mathematical precision.
- The software analyses voice patterns, and detects subtle changes which can point to the claimants lying.
- But change is subtle and sometimes imperceptible.
- I miss subtle changes in language over a magazine's course.
- But take a look at the television advertisements targeting Hispanic voters in this state, and you'll notice a subtle change.
- They alleviate the difficulties of observing subtle changes that are difficult to observe with more established methods such as superimposition.
Synonyms
fine, fine-drawn, ultra-fine, nice, overnice, minute, precise, narrow, tenuous
1. 1.1 (of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated.
  （混合物，效果）精细复杂的；轻描淡写的；隐约的
  subtle lighting
  隐隐约约的灯光。
  Example sentencesExamples
  Moreover, pasteurisation would ruin the subtle cheese flavours stemming from the hillside pastures.
  The effect is subtle, yet it works, and while the overall result is undeniably decadent, the space feels individual as opposed to ostentatious.
  Creamy nutty oak flavours backing up some subtle fruit flavours of nectarine, peach and apple juice.
  Various sweet dishes, of which ice cream is the most obvious example, can be given a subtle tea flavour, but some is also used in some parts of the world for savoury dishes.
  Fortunately it means bargain prices for this complex and subtle wine, which is on sale in limited quantities for €8.89 a bottle.
  Try using pigment pads on dark paper for a subtle effect.
  A third factor is that subtle effects of preen oil may not be detectable in captive birds.
  My Munchurian Chicken was mild, the chicken complemented by a subtle sauce flavoured with onions, garlic, ginger, finely chopped herbs and plenty of pepper.
  This elusive goal requires a deep understanding of the components of speech and of the subtle effects of a person's volume, pitch, timing and emphasis.
  The defiant stare, too, would have made a subtle effect, emphasised by the averted, pixellated face of the tubby, shorter guard.
  White tea should only be blended with very subtle ingredients, if any at all, to prevent it from being overpowered.
  More subtle effects of air resistance on projectile motion are related to the shape and rotation of the object.
  The way he used elements of other film scores for certain subtle effects.
  The pasta, which was tossed in a white wine and cream sauce, received a good response and was praised for its subtle mushroom flavours.
  There is a hint of gold and a very slight sweetness with a subtle herb flavour and a gentle smell of newly-mown hay: a delicate flavouring that doesn't overpower the vodka.
  It's quite a subtle effect, but it's definitely there.
  Limes have a stimulating, wake-me-up freshness that sets off the less obvious flavours of more subtle fruits and vegetables.
  The last time there was wind from this direction it brought with it a torrential horizontal downpour of rain, but no hope or fear of that this time. The effect is more subtle.
  No study can adequately predict the long-term and subtle effects of a vaccine prior to its introduction to a group as large as most of the population of our planet.
  By themselves, these genes had only subtle effects on the temporal pattern of egg laying.
  Synonyms
  understated, low-key, muted, toned down, subdued
2. 1.2 Making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something.
  灵活的；巧妙的
  he tried a more subtle approach
  他试了一种更巧妙的方法。
  Example sentencesExamples
  It is subtle and clever and knows how to get our attention.
  However subtle and indirect, its provenance in the peace settlement reveals it to be too much an enterprise of political imposition, and too little of genuine consent.
  Lynn's method is at once subtle and mechanical.
  The characters are revealed in clever and subtle ways.
  Throughout the history of nations, inflation has been a time-honored and subtle method for governments to plunder its citizenry.
  More subtle methods were employed in achieving operational and strategic success.
  The function of formal rules and accountability mechanisms in the regulation of police work is more indirect and subtle.
  They would prefer more subtle methods of signaling unhappiness with a stock.
  His methods aren't subtle but when you have megalomaniacal ambitions it's easy not to be shy about getting your hands dirty while disposing of assorted Latino gangsters.
  Siblings' methods may be subtle, but they're no less cutting.
  Some of the solutions to your problems are very subtle and clever.
  But their moves were quiet and furtive, and hard to trace, and so I was forced to use subtle methods to seek the root of this vile blossom.
  These were the new readers the Irish Times had to attract in order to survive, and Gageby set out on a subtle course to achieve it.
  Jesus used an indirect and subtle method of communication which may well have been more effective than direct, dogmatic statements.
  Then again, maybe we won't, as this is the kind of information that can be used in very subtle ways to achieve certain ends.
  He will use diplomatic methods and more subtle military pressure.
  Girls tend to use more indirect, subtle, and social methods such as exclusion, manipulation, and spreading rumors.
  These strategic dilemmas are supported with some subtle and clever tactical dynamics.
  Yet the approach may be more subtle - and quite clever as well.
  Instead, Adams is relying on more subtle methods to protect his old lady's integrity.
3. 1.3 Capable of making fine distinctions.
  敏锐的
  a subtle mind
  敏锐的头脑。
  Example sentencesExamples
  That was not an impossible ideal but it did require a subtle mind to grasp it.
  She read and brooded over philosophical problems; her mind was subtle, but her judgements were sometimes uncertain.
  One can easily imagine why a parent would want to make their children more capable of subtle discernment of where their real interests lie.
  However, the truth is the mind is very subtle and it has the ability to rationalize which can turn the obvious into the ambiguous, and vice versa.
  There is another, parsimonious explanation that escapes many would be subtle minds.
  Synonyms
  astute, keen, quick, fine, acute, sharp, razor-like, razor-sharp, rapier-like, canny, shrewd, aware, perceptive, discerning, sensitive, discriminating, penetrating, sagacious, wise, clever, intelligent, skilful, artful
4. 1.4 Arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way.
  精妙的，精巧的；精湛的
  Example sentencesExamples
  The rum opens up the subtle and elaborate world of flavours within each chocolate.
  I've found more subtle, quiet ways to make sure everyone around pays attention to me now.
  Instead, these works are subtle and quiet, yet filled with mood.
  By means of ingenious and subtle arguments and making the fewest possible assumptions, he arrived at the following conclusions.
  Instead, they rally the people through subtle statements straight from the heart.
5. 1.5archaic Crafty; cunning.
  〈古〉狡猾的，狡诈的
  Example sentencesExamples
  The King James Version uses subtle rather than crafty, but the meaning is the same.
  But the serpent was as subtle and cunning as ever, more than any other beast who dwelt within the garden which the Gods had made.
  Synonyms
  ingenious, clever, skilful, adroit, cunning, crafty, wily, artful, devious

Origin

Middle English (also in the sense ‘not easily understood’): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis.

单词	subtle
释义	Definition of subtle in English: subtle adjectivesubtler, subtlest ˈsʌt(ə)lˈsədl 1(especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe. （尤指变化或差别）微妙的；细微的；难以描述的；难以分析的 his language expresses rich and subtle meanings 他的语言表达了丰富而又深奥的含义。 Example sentencesExamples However, when both languages are in the same book, subtle differences make it difficult for some readers, usually those reading in Spanish. But take a look at the television advertisements targeting Hispanic voters in this state, and you'll notice a subtle change. I saw young black spruces growing higher than ever before on boreal hillsides in Alaska, and subtle changes transform the tundra. More fundamentally, this book is at times reckless in its disregard for the subtle changes in the representation of religious differences across the period from Shakespeare to Milton. I've been online since 1996 as a writer, and the sea change was subtle, but serious. Some of us have a finely tuned nose, able to detect subtle differences and describe fragrance with colourful adjectives such as musky, syrupy and spicy. But the changes are so subtle that they are difficult to apprehend and you cannot be certain that this is the case. Imaging techniques used by the team can demonstrate extremely subtle changes in the structures of the brain as the disease progresses and detect any change in response to treatment. The actors lip-synch the songs and Neil creates different personalities with subtle changes in his voice. Although there are subtle changes on Parade, it's not radically dissimilar to what fans have come to expect. I miss subtle changes in language over a magazine's course. They alleviate the difficulties of observing subtle changes that are difficult to observe with more established methods such as superimposition. As time went by, a subtle change began to overtake her, transforming her by degrees into another person hardly recognizable to her children. But change is subtle and sometimes imperceptible. But mostly change is subtle, almost delicate, and it is viewed most clearly not from the stand or drawing room but with a squint-eyed look from across the net. For how spare it is, the track is incredibly moving as every subtle change and alteration in the slowly accumulating tones takes on heavy emotional weight. They can also remove certain features of a landscape to enhance others and isolate subtle changes with mathematical precision. But the catches have been going down faster than the quotas and environmentalists suspect the bigger factor is a chain of subtle changes triggered by a slight rise in temperature in the North Sea. Again it appears to be that the most sensitive organ is the liver, and nobody has done a careful study to look at whether there are subtle changes in muscle or other tissues yet. The software analyses voice patterns, and detects subtle changes which can point to the claimants lying. Synonyms fine, fine-drawn, ultra-fine, nice, overnice, minute, precise, narrow, tenuous hair-splitting, indistinct, indefinite, elusive, abstruse informal minuscule 1.1 (of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated. （混合物，效果）精细复杂的；轻描淡写的；隐约的 subtle lighting 隐隐约约的灯光。 Example sentencesExamples The way he used elements of other film scores for certain subtle effects. Moreover, pasteurisation would ruin the subtle cheese flavours stemming from the hillside pastures. The effect is subtle, yet it works, and while the overall result is undeniably decadent, the space feels individual as opposed to ostentatious. More subtle effects of air resistance on projectile motion are related to the shape and rotation of the object. There is a hint of gold and a very slight sweetness with a subtle herb flavour and a gentle smell of newly-mown hay: a delicate flavouring that doesn't overpower the vodka. Various sweet dishes, of which ice cream is the most obvious example, can be given a subtle tea flavour, but some is also used in some parts of the world for savoury dishes. Fortunately it means bargain prices for this complex and subtle wine, which is on sale in limited quantities for €8.89 a bottle. No study can adequately predict the long-term and subtle effects of a vaccine prior to its introduction to a group as large as most of the population of our planet. Creamy nutty oak flavours backing up some subtle fruit flavours of nectarine, peach and apple juice. White tea should only be blended with very subtle ingredients, if any at all, to prevent it from being overpowered. This elusive goal requires a deep understanding of the components of speech and of the subtle effects of a person's volume, pitch, timing and emphasis. By themselves, these genes had only subtle effects on the temporal pattern of egg laying. The defiant stare, too, would have made a subtle effect, emphasised by the averted, pixellated face of the tubby, shorter guard. My Munchurian Chicken was mild, the chicken complemented by a subtle sauce flavoured with onions, garlic, ginger, finely chopped herbs and plenty of pepper. It's quite a subtle effect, but it's definitely there. The pasta, which was tossed in a white wine and cream sauce, received a good response and was praised for its subtle mushroom flavours. Limes have a stimulating, wake-me-up freshness that sets off the less obvious flavours of more subtle fruits and vegetables. The last time there was wind from this direction it brought with it a torrential horizontal downpour of rain, but no hope or fear of that this time. The effect is more subtle. A third factor is that subtle effects of preen oil may not be detectable in captive birds. Try using pigment pads on dark paper for a subtle effect. Synonyms understated, low-key, muted, toned down, subdued delicate, faint, pale, soft, indistinct, indefinite, vague, washed out 1.2 Capable of making fine distinctions. 敏锐的 a subtle mind 敏锐的头脑。 Example sentencesExamples One can easily imagine why a parent would want to make their children more capable of subtle discernment of where their real interests lie. That was not an impossible ideal but it did require a subtle mind to grasp it. However, the truth is the mind is very subtle and it has the ability to rationalize which can turn the obvious into the ambiguous, and vice versa. There is another, parsimonious explanation that escapes many would be subtle minds. She read and brooded over philosophical problems; her mind was subtle, but her judgements were sometimes uncertain. Synonyms astute, keen, quick, fine, acute, sharp, razor-like, razor-sharp, rapier-like, canny, shrewd, aware, perceptive, discerning, sensitive, discriminating, penetrating, sagacious, wise, clever, intelligent, skilful, artful sapient, percipient, perspicacious informal on the ball, savvy archaic politic 1.3 Arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way. 精妙的，精巧的；精湛的 the German plan was simple yet subtle Example sentencesExamples Instead, they rally the people through subtle statements straight from the heart. I've found more subtle, quiet ways to make sure everyone around pays attention to me now. Instead, these works are subtle and quiet, yet filled with mood. By means of ingenious and subtle arguments and making the fewest possible assumptions, he arrived at the following conclusions. The rum opens up the subtle and elaborate world of flavours within each chocolate. 2Making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something. 灵活的；巧妙的 he tried a more subtle approach 他试了一种更巧妙的方法。 Example sentencesExamples These strategic dilemmas are supported with some subtle and clever tactical dynamics. Siblings' methods may be subtle, but they're no less cutting. However subtle and indirect, its provenance in the peace settlement reveals it to be too much an enterprise of political imposition, and too little of genuine consent. Lynn's method is at once subtle and mechanical. Throughout the history of nations, inflation has been a time-honored and subtle method for governments to plunder its citizenry. Yet the approach may be more subtle - and quite clever as well. He will use diplomatic methods and more subtle military pressure. More subtle methods were employed in achieving operational and strategic success. Some of the solutions to your problems are very subtle and clever. But their moves were quiet and furtive, and hard to trace, and so I was forced to use subtle methods to seek the root of this vile blossom. Girls tend to use more indirect, subtle, and social methods such as exclusion, manipulation, and spreading rumors. His methods aren't subtle but when you have megalomaniacal ambitions it's easy not to be shy about getting your hands dirty while disposing of assorted Latino gangsters. It is subtle and clever and knows how to get our attention. The function of formal rules and accountability mechanisms in the regulation of police work is more indirect and subtle. The characters are revealed in clever and subtle ways. These were the new readers the Irish Times had to attract in order to survive, and Gageby set out on a subtle course to achieve it. Jesus used an indirect and subtle method of communication which may well have been more effective than direct, dogmatic statements. Instead, Adams is relying on more subtle methods to protect his old lady's integrity. They would prefer more subtle methods of signaling unhappiness with a stock. Then again, maybe we won't, as this is the kind of information that can be used in very subtle ways to achieve certain ends. 3archaic Crafty; cunning. 〈古〉狡猾的，狡诈的 the subtle fiend dissembled Example sentencesExamples The King James Version uses subtle rather than crafty, but the meaning is the same. But the serpent was as subtle and cunning as ever, more than any other beast who dwelt within the garden which the Gods had made. Synonyms ingenious, clever, skilful, adroit, cunning, crafty, wily, artful, devious Derivatives subtleness noun ˈsʌt(ə)lnəsˈsəd(ə)lnəs One of those paths led to a life of complacency, of subtleness and of eternal peace while the other path led to a small possibility of a mysterious future unknown to him but gave a sense of greatness that thrilled the man to the bone. Example sentencesExamples I would have liked it even better had it been more of peach and cardamom taste, but it was still nice and sweet, and you might see its subtleness as ‘discreet’. Granted, Kris wasn't known for his tact or his subtleness, but he had a point. But Jake's sensitivity and subtleness in this role are just huge. At first, the subtleness of the message did not reach her, but as the thoughts formed in her head, her body fell numb. Origin Middle English (also in the sense 'not easily understood'): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis. ‘Not easily understood’ was an early sense of subtle, via Old French sotil from Latin subtilis meaning ‘fine, delicate’. Rhymes buttle, cuttle, rebuttal, scuttle, shuttle, surrebuttal Definition of subtle in US English: subtle adjectiveˈsədlˈsədl 1(especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe. （尤指变化或差别）微妙的；细微的；难以描述的；难以分析的 his language expresses rich and subtle meanings 他的语言表达了丰富而又深奥的含义。 Example sentencesExamples The actors lip-synch the songs and Neil creates different personalities with subtle changes in his voice. Imaging techniques used by the team can demonstrate extremely subtle changes in the structures of the brain as the disease progresses and detect any change in response to treatment. Although there are subtle changes on Parade, it's not radically dissimilar to what fans have come to expect. For how spare it is, the track is incredibly moving as every subtle change and alteration in the slowly accumulating tones takes on heavy emotional weight. Some of us have a finely tuned nose, able to detect subtle differences and describe fragrance with colourful adjectives such as musky, syrupy and spicy. I saw young black spruces growing higher than ever before on boreal hillsides in Alaska, and subtle changes transform the tundra. But the catches have been going down faster than the quotas and environmentalists suspect the bigger factor is a chain of subtle changes triggered by a slight rise in temperature in the North Sea. However, when both languages are in the same book, subtle differences make it difficult for some readers, usually those reading in Spanish. I've been online since 1996 as a writer, and the sea change was subtle, but serious. But mostly change is subtle, almost delicate, and it is viewed most clearly not from the stand or drawing room but with a squint-eyed look from across the net. But the changes are so subtle that they are difficult to apprehend and you cannot be certain that this is the case. More fundamentally, this book is at times reckless in its disregard for the subtle changes in the representation of religious differences across the period from Shakespeare to Milton. Again it appears to be that the most sensitive organ is the liver, and nobody has done a careful study to look at whether there are subtle changes in muscle or other tissues yet. As time went by, a subtle change began to overtake her, transforming her by degrees into another person hardly recognizable to her children. They can also remove certain features of a landscape to enhance others and isolate subtle changes with mathematical precision. The software analyses voice patterns, and detects subtle changes which can point to the claimants lying. But change is subtle and sometimes imperceptible. I miss subtle changes in language over a magazine's course. But take a look at the television advertisements targeting Hispanic voters in this state, and you'll notice a subtle change. They alleviate the difficulties of observing subtle changes that are difficult to observe with more established methods such as superimposition. Synonyms fine, fine-drawn, ultra-fine, nice, overnice, minute, precise, narrow, tenuous 1.1 (of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated. （混合物，效果）精细复杂的；轻描淡写的；隐约的 subtle lighting 隐隐约约的灯光。 Example sentencesExamples Moreover, pasteurisation would ruin the subtle cheese flavours stemming from the hillside pastures. The effect is subtle, yet it works, and while the overall result is undeniably decadent, the space feels individual as opposed to ostentatious. Creamy nutty oak flavours backing up some subtle fruit flavours of nectarine, peach and apple juice. Various sweet dishes, of which ice cream is the most obvious example, can be given a subtle tea flavour, but some is also used in some parts of the world for savoury dishes. Fortunately it means bargain prices for this complex and subtle wine, which is on sale in limited quantities for €8.89 a bottle. Try using pigment pads on dark paper for a subtle effect. A third factor is that subtle effects of preen oil may not be detectable in captive birds. My Munchurian Chicken was mild, the chicken complemented by a subtle sauce flavoured with onions, garlic, ginger, finely chopped herbs and plenty of pepper. This elusive goal requires a deep understanding of the components of speech and of the subtle effects of a person's volume, pitch, timing and emphasis. The defiant stare, too, would have made a subtle effect, emphasised by the averted, pixellated face of the tubby, shorter guard. White tea should only be blended with very subtle ingredients, if any at all, to prevent it from being overpowered. More subtle effects of air resistance on projectile motion are related to the shape and rotation of the object. The way he used elements of other film scores for certain subtle effects. The pasta, which was tossed in a white wine and cream sauce, received a good response and was praised for its subtle mushroom flavours. There is a hint of gold and a very slight sweetness with a subtle herb flavour and a gentle smell of newly-mown hay: a delicate flavouring that doesn't overpower the vodka. It's quite a subtle effect, but it's definitely there. Limes have a stimulating, wake-me-up freshness that sets off the less obvious flavours of more subtle fruits and vegetables. The last time there was wind from this direction it brought with it a torrential horizontal downpour of rain, but no hope or fear of that this time. The effect is more subtle. No study can adequately predict the long-term and subtle effects of a vaccine prior to its introduction to a group as large as most of the population of our planet. By themselves, these genes had only subtle effects on the temporal pattern of egg laying. Synonyms understated, low-key, muted, toned down, subdued 1.2 Making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something. 灵活的；巧妙的 he tried a more subtle approach 他试了一种更巧妙的方法。 Example sentencesExamples It is subtle and clever and knows how to get our attention. However subtle and indirect, its provenance in the peace settlement reveals it to be too much an enterprise of political imposition, and too little of genuine consent. Lynn's method is at once subtle and mechanical. The characters are revealed in clever and subtle ways. Throughout the history of nations, inflation has been a time-honored and subtle method for governments to plunder its citizenry. More subtle methods were employed in achieving operational and strategic success. The function of formal rules and accountability mechanisms in the regulation of police work is more indirect and subtle. They would prefer more subtle methods of signaling unhappiness with a stock. His methods aren't subtle but when you have megalomaniacal ambitions it's easy not to be shy about getting your hands dirty while disposing of assorted Latino gangsters. Siblings' methods may be subtle, but they're no less cutting. Some of the solutions to your problems are very subtle and clever. But their moves were quiet and furtive, and hard to trace, and so I was forced to use subtle methods to seek the root of this vile blossom. These were the new readers the Irish Times had to attract in order to survive, and Gageby set out on a subtle course to achieve it. Jesus used an indirect and subtle method of communication which may well have been more effective than direct, dogmatic statements. Then again, maybe we won't, as this is the kind of information that can be used in very subtle ways to achieve certain ends. He will use diplomatic methods and more subtle military pressure. Girls tend to use more indirect, subtle, and social methods such as exclusion, manipulation, and spreading rumors. These strategic dilemmas are supported with some subtle and clever tactical dynamics. Yet the approach may be more subtle - and quite clever as well. Instead, Adams is relying on more subtle methods to protect his old lady's integrity. 1.3 Capable of making fine distinctions. 敏锐的 a subtle mind 敏锐的头脑。 Example sentencesExamples That was not an impossible ideal but it did require a subtle mind to grasp it. She read and brooded over philosophical problems; her mind was subtle, but her judgements were sometimes uncertain. One can easily imagine why a parent would want to make their children more capable of subtle discernment of where their real interests lie. However, the truth is the mind is very subtle and it has the ability to rationalize which can turn the obvious into the ambiguous, and vice versa. There is another, parsimonious explanation that escapes many would be subtle minds. Synonyms astute, keen, quick, fine, acute, sharp, razor-like, razor-sharp, rapier-like, canny, shrewd, aware, perceptive, discerning, sensitive, discriminating, penetrating, sagacious, wise, clever, intelligent, skilful, artful 1.4 Arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way. 精妙的，精巧的；精湛的 Example sentencesExamples The rum opens up the subtle and elaborate world of flavours within each chocolate. I've found more subtle, quiet ways to make sure everyone around pays attention to me now. Instead, these works are subtle and quiet, yet filled with mood. By means of ingenious and subtle arguments and making the fewest possible assumptions, he arrived at the following conclusions. Instead, they rally the people through subtle statements straight from the heart. 1.5archaic Crafty; cunning. 〈古〉狡猾的，狡诈的 Example sentencesExamples The King James Version uses subtle rather than crafty, but the meaning is the same. But the serpent was as subtle and cunning as ever, more than any other beast who dwelt within the garden which the Gods had made. Synonyms ingenious, clever, skilful, adroit, cunning, crafty, wily, artful, devious Origin Middle English (also in the sense ‘not easily understood’): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis.
随便看	scrubbable scrubbable scrub-bash scrubbed scrubber scrubbers scrubbier scrubbier scrubbiest scrubbiest scrubbily scrubbing scrubbing brush scrubbing-brush off one's nut off one's own bat off one's own bat off one's rocker off one's rocker off one's scone off one's scone off one's trolley off one's trolley off one's trolley/rocker off (or on) one's game