Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Subtlety
Sub′tle-ty
,Noun.
pl.
Subtleties
(#)
. 1.
The quality or state of being subtle, or sly; cunning; craftiness; artfulness.
The fox which lives by
subtlety
. Shakespeare
2.
Nice discernment with delicacy of mental action; nicety of discrimination.
3.
Something that is sly, crafty, or delusive.
Unlearned in the world’s false
subtleties
. Shakespeare
Definition 2024
subtlety
subtlety
English
Noun
subtlety (countable and uncountable, plural subtleties)
- (uncountable) The quality or fact of being subtle.
- With all his usual subtlety, he quietly fixed the problem before anyone else noticed it.
- (countable) An instance of being subtle, a subtle thing, especially a subtle argument or distinction.
- The subtleties of this overture are often overlooked.
- (countable) An ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, especially when made from one thing but crafted to look like another.
- At the king's coronation feast, several subtleties were served between main courses.
Translations
quality or act of being subtle
|
an instance of being subtle