Subtle meaning

What does “subtle” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“subtle” is an adjective with 3 meanings. Its most common meaning is: difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze.

subtle

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
“his whole attitude had undergone a subtle change”
“a subtle difference”
Synonymselusive
able to make fine distinctions
“a subtle mind”
working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
“glaucoma is an insidious disease”
“a subtle poison”
Synonymsinsidious pernicious

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University