subtle
/ˈsʌtl/adjective
1subtler, subtlest
- (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。
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。
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。
1.3
- capable of making fine distinctions敏锐的：
a subtle mind.
敏锐的头脑。
1.4
- arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way精妙的, 精巧的; 精湛的。
1.5
- archaic crafty; cunning〈古〉狡猾的, 狡诈的。
派生词
subtleness
nounsubtly
adverb词源
Middle English （also in the sense 'not easily understood'）： from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis.