subtlety

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
  2. noun the quality of being difficult to detect or analyze

Etymology

From Middle English sotilte, from Old French sutilté, inherited from Latin subtīlitās, from subtīlis (“subtle”). Equivalent to subtle + -ty. Doublet of subtility.

In classic literature

Synonyms

nuance, nicety, shade, refinement

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