subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle

Examples of subtlety in a Sentence

The pianist performed with subtlety and passion. we appreciated the subtlety with which our host indicated that it was time to leave: he volunteered to pack us a little lunch for the road
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their attitudes about the direction of the country also creates frictions in their friendship, a poignant emotional thread that the filmmaker approaches with admirable subtlety. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 Long bitcoin Billionaire investors appear to have already grasped bitcoin’s subtleties and its potential as a hedge against inflation. Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Here's another video that homes in on this point with jackhammer-like subtlety and a degree of repetitive bludgeoning that suggests Family Guy fans might be Yamaha's key target market. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2024 Downey carries off McNeal’s charm well — courting applause when McNeal delivers showboating, professorial tirades about Shakespeare and Saul Bellow — but struggles to downshift into subtlety. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subtlety 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sotilte, subtilte, from Anglo-French sotilté, from Latin subtilitat-, subtilitas, from subtilis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near subtlety

Cite this Entry

“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun
sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle

More from Merriam-Webster on subtlety

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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