subtle

• Beschreibt etwas, das nicht offensichtlich, sondern fein, nuanciert oder schwer wahrnehmbar ist; oft auch etwas, das auf raffinierte, geschickte oder hintergründige Weise wirkt.

Describes something that is not obvious, but delicate, fine, or precise in meaning, effect, or appearance.

1. B2formal

   So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.

   Fein und präzise

   • There is a subtle difference between the two shades of blue.
   • The artist used subtle brushstrokes to create depth.
   • Her subtle smile hinted at her amusement.

   Synonymedelicateelusivefaintfineniceslightunderstated

   Antonymebluntcoarsecrudeheavy-handedobviousovert

2. Not obviousB2formal

   Not immediately obvious or noticeable; understated.

   Nicht offensichtlich

   • He made a subtle hint about her mistake.
   • The flavor of the spice is very subtle in this dish.
   • There was a subtle change in his attitude after the meeting.

   Synonymedelicatefaintindirectindistinctobscureslightunderstated

   Antonymeapparentblatantconspicuousobviousovertpalpable

3. Cunning or craftyC1formal

   Able to make fine distinctions; clever and indirect.

   Gerissen oder listig

   • She used a subtle argument to win the debate.
   • His subtle manipulation of the situation went unnoticed.
   • The detective noticed a subtle clue at the crime scene.

   Synonymeartfulcraftycunningdeviousingeniousshrewdslywily

   Antonymeartlessblatantdirectguilelessnaiveobvious