Subtlety

Quick meaning: Subtlety is a noun meaning (uncountable) The quality of being subtle.

Meaning

(uncountable) The quality of being subtle.

More Meanings

1. (countable) An instance of being subtle, a subtle thing, especially a subtle argument or distinction.
2. (countable, obsolete) A trick that creates a false appearance.
3. (uncountable, obsolete) The property of having a low density or thin consistency.
4. (uncountable, obsolete) The property of being able to penetrate materials easily.
5. (countable, historical) An ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, especially when made from one thing but crafted to look like another.
6. (uncountable, countable, archaic) The quality of being clever in surreptitious or deceitful behaviour; an act or argument that shows this quality.

Example Sentences

The subtleties of this overture are often overlooked.

His body was as insensitive to pain as was his mind to subtleties.

At the king's coronation feast, several subtleties were served between main courses.

It is your turn now […] to support your philosophical subtilties against the dictates of plain reason and experience.

Word Forms

• subtleties
• subtilty

Synonyms for subtlety

Depending on context, synonyms include nicety, nuance, artifice, craftiness, cunning, deceitfulness.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include nuance, nicety, niceness, shade, refinement, finesse.

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