subtile

adjective

sub·​tile ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsəb-tᵊl
subtiler
ˈsət-lər,
ˈsə-tᵊl-ər How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsəb-tə-lər
 ; subtilest
ˈsət-ləst,
ˈsə-tᵊl-əst How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsəb-tə-ləst
Synonyms of subtilenext
1
: subtle, elusive
a subtile aroma
2
a
: cunning, crafty
b
: sagacious, discerning
subtilely
ˈsət-lē
ˈsə-tᵊl-(l)ē How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsəb-tə-lē
adverb
subtileness
ˈsə-tᵊl-nəs How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsəb-tᵊl-
noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subtile, sotil subtle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtile was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near subtile

subtidal

subtile

subtilisin

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Subtile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtile. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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