subtile

adjective

sub·​tile ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsəb-tᵊl
subtiler ˈsət-lər How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsə-tᵊl-ər;
ˈsəb-tə-lər
; subtilest ˈsət-ləst How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsə-tᵊl-əst;
ˈsəb-tə-ləst
1
: subtle, elusive
a subtile aroma
2
subtilely
ˈsət-lē How to pronounce subtile (audio)
ˈsə-tᵊl-(l)ē;
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

Cite this Entry

“Subtile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtile. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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