subtle

• Qualifie quelque chose de peu évident, mais fin, délicat ou précis dans son sens, son effet ou son apparence.

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.

   Subtil ou délicat et précis

   • 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.

   Synonymesdelicateelusivefaintfineniceslightunderstated

   Antonymesbluntcoarsecrudeheavy-handedobviousovert

2. Not obviousB2formal

   Not immediately obvious or noticeable; understated.

   subtil

   • 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.

   Synonymesdelicatefaintindirectindistinctobscureslightunderstated

   Antonymesapparentblatantconspicuousobviousovertpalpable

3. Cunning or craftyC1formal

   Able to make fine distinctions; clever and indirect.

   subtil (rusé, ingénieux)

   • 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.

   Synonymesartfulcraftycunningdeviousingeniousshrewdslywily

   Antonymesartlessblatantdirectguilelessnaiveobvious