Words / C1

SUTL/ˈsʌtl/

Subtle means fine, not obvious, easy to miss — of a difference, a flavour, a hint, or a strategy. Native writers praise a subtle argument and warn that subtle is not the same as weak. Obvious is the opposite. Subtlety is the noun (close to nuance). Note the spelling: subtle, with a silent b; not “suttle.”

Meaning

Not obvious; fine and easy to miss.

Examples

• “There is a subtle difference between the two words.”
• “The advert makes a subtle appeal to guilt.”
• “Only a subtle change in word order alters the emphasis.”

Good to know

subtle = fine, easy to miss. Noun: subtlety. Close idea: nuance. Silent b.

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