subtilize

An archaic verb meaning to make subtle, refine, or treat with subtlety; often used in philosophical or alchemical contexts.

• 🇨🇳过时动词，指使某物变得精细、微妙或稀薄，或巧妙地处理、推敲某事物；常用于哲学或炼金术语境。

1. Mark fine distinctions C2 formal

   To make or note fine distinctions and subtleties, especially among words or concepts.

   • The philosopher subtilized the meanings of the two terms.
   • In his essay, he subtilizes the differences between justice and fairness.
   • Scholars often subtilize the nuances of ancient texts.

   🇨🇳细致区分

   同义词: differentiatediscriminatedistinguishrefine

   反义词: coarsensimplify

2. Make more subtle or refined C2 formal

   To make something more subtle, delicate, or refined in nature.

   • The artist subtilized the shading in her painting.
   • He subtilized his argument to avoid offending anyone.
   • The chef subtilized the sauce with a hint of spice.

   🇨🇳使精细

   同义词: polishpurifyrarefyrefinesublimate

   反义词: bluntcoarsendull

3. Make senses more keen C2 formal

   To sharpen or make the senses more acute or perceptive.

   • Meditation can subtilize one's awareness.
   • The training subtilized his hearing to detect subtle sounds.
   • Years of practice subtilized her sense of smell.

   🇨🇳使敏锐

   同义词: honequickenrefinesensitizesharpen

   反义词: bluntdull