; subtlest
Theodore DreiserKim MarcusElizabeth SchneiderJonathan MahlerChris BolgianoCharles EinsteinClay SmithDavid Lipsky et al.Jinx MorganJeremy CarlHerman Melville
Did you know?
Why is there a "b" in subtle?
If you know this word by sight, you might not know how to say it. And if you know it in conversation you might not know how to spell it.
For those of you in the first camp, we'll give you a hint: that "b" is subtle. So subtle, in fact, as to not be heard at all. It's a silent "b," like the "b" in thumb and debt. The word actually rhymes with shuttle.
And for those in the second camp: this is the word that sounds like it should be spelled "suttle."
So what is that pesky "b" doing there anyway? Is that sub at the beginning of the word related to the sub in submarine and subterranean?
Yes, it is. Subtle comes ultimately from a Latin pair: the prefix sub-, meaning "under," and tela, meaning "web." The two were joined in Latin subtilis, meaning "finely woven." The word was literal; it was originally a weaving term. But over time subtilis developed figurative uses, and was applied in many cases in which the word fine would work as well: to describe details, distinctions, and tastes, among other things.
When subtle came to first be used in Middle English its meaning was very much in this same lineage. It meant "perceptive, refined," and was used to describe people known for their clear thinking—such as philosophers—and things, such as analysis or reasoning, that demonstrated such thinking.
One more thing about the spelling of subtle: like many words that have been in the language for centuries, this one took numerous forms before settling into its current spelling. Many of the forms didn't include the "b" at all—and it's believed that the "b" was probably never pronounced in English. The "b" spellings that were used were a nod to the Latin subtilis. And much to the chagrin of those in favor of phonetic spellings today, one of them came out on top.
Examples of subtle in a Sentence
Andrew Butterfield, New York Review of Books, 16 July 2009
These days, some of the most exciting cooking with brown rice is taking place in Japan, where purveyors are beginning to embrace the subtle variations that can be achieved through custom-milling and cooks are repurposing traditional techniques and dishes to accommodate the food's flavors and textures.
—Karen Shimizu, Saveur, May 2008
The language of the face communicates maximum information through the subtlest inflections. The interfaces of our souls are designed to be read in a heartbeat.
—Steve Silberman, Wired, May 2003
a subtle difference in meaning between the words
Racial discrimination still exists, only now it's subtler than it once was.
When it comes to giving criticism, sometimes it's best to take a subtle approach.
He didn't seem to understand my subtle hints.
It was her subtle way of telling me to mind my own business.
She has a subtle mind.
Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The Row’s ’90s Bag makes a second cameo for a subtle finishing touch.
—Talia Abbas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
There are subtle peacock tail motifs throughout the hotel, from the geometric patterns in intricate kumiko woodwork headboards to Japanese washi paper designs in the elevator.
—Amber Gibson, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2025
By spring training, he was fully cleared to hit and came to the plate with subtle tweaks to his hand placement, standing slightly higher in the box.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtle. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subtle
adjective
Middle English sotil, subtile "delicate," from early French sotil (same meaning), from Latin subtilis "delicate," literally, "finely woven," from sub "under, close to" and tela "fabric woven on a loom"
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