subtle

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

ruОписывает что-то неочевидное, но тонкое, изящное или точное по смыслу, эффекту или внешнему виду.esDescribe algo que no es evidente a primera vista, pero que resulta sutil, delicado o preciso en su significado, efecto o apariencia.frQualifie quelque chose de peu évident, mais fin, délicat ou précis dans son sens, son effet ou son apparence.deBeschreibt etwas, das nicht offensichtlich, sondern fein, nuanciert oder schwer wahrnehmbar ist; oft auch etwas, das auf raffinierte, geschickte oder hintergründige Weise wirkt.ptDescreve algo que não é óbvio, mas é delicado, elegante ou preciso em sentido, efeito ou aparência.zh形容事物不明显、不易察觉，但细致、精妙或准确，涉及意义、效果或外观。arيصف شيئًا غير واضح أو غير ملحوظ لكنه دقيق ولطيف في المعنى أو الأثر أو المظهر. ويُستعمل أيضًا للدلالة على البراعة أو الإتقان الخفيّ في التمييز والفهم.

1. Delicate or precise B2 formal

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

   • 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.

   ruТонкийesSutilfrSubtil ou délicat et précisdeFein und präziseptSutilzh微妙的arدقيق وخفي

   Synonyms: delicateelusivefaintfineniceslightunderstated

   Antonyms: bluntcoarsecrudeheavy-handedobviousovert

2. Not obvious B2 formal

   Not immediately obvious or noticeable; understated.

   • 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.

   ruНеочевидныйessutil (no obvio)frsubtildeNicht offensichtlichptNão óbviozh不明显的arغير واضح

   Synonyms: delicatefaintindirectindistinctobscureslightunderstated

   Antonyms: apparentblatantconspicuousobviousovertpalpable

3. Cunning or crafty C1 formal

   Able to make fine distinctions; clever and indirect.

   • 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.

   ruХитрый или изворотливыйesSutil, astutofrsubtil (rusé, ingénieux)deGerissen oder listigptAstuto ou manhosozh狡猾或巧妙arماكر أو مخاتل

   Synonyms: artfulcraftycunningdeviousingeniousshrewdslywily

   Antonyms: artlessblatantdirectguilelessnaiveobvious

• subtler comparative form
• subtlest superlative form