subtle

• 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。

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.

   微妙的

   • 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.

   同义词delicateelusivefaintfineniceslightunderstated

   反义词bluntcoarsecrudeheavy-handedobviousovert

2. Not obviousB2formal

   Not immediately obvious or noticeable; understated.

   不明显的

   • 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.

   同义词delicatefaintindirectindistinctobscureslightunderstated

   反义词apparentblatantconspicuousobviousovertpalpable

3. Cunning or craftyC1formal

   Able to make fine distinctions; clever and indirect.

   狡猾或巧妙

   • 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.

   同义词artfulcraftycunningdeviousingeniousshrewdslywily

   反义词artlessblatantdirectguilelessnaiveobvious