The Britannica Dictionary
mobile search
Home
Ask the Editor
Word of the Day
Quizzes
Core Vocabulary
Browse the Dictionary
×
Britannica Homepage
Ask the Editor
Word of the Day
Quizzes
Core Vocabulary
Browse the Dictionary
The Britannica Dictionary
subtlety
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
subtlety
(noun)
subtlety
/
ˈ
sʌtl̟ti/
noun
plural
subtleties
subtlety
/
ˈ
sʌtl̟ti/
noun
plural
subtleties
Britannica Dictionary definition of SUBTLETY
1
[
noncount
]
:
the quality or state of being subtle
The pianist performed with
subtlety
and passion.
The movie lacks
subtlety
.
[+] more examples
[-] hide examples
[+] Example sentences
[-] Hide examples
2
[
count
]
:
a small detail that is usually important but not obvious
—
usually plural
the
subtleties
of social interaction
[+] more examples
[-] hide examples
[+] Example sentences
[-] Hide examples
ASK THE EDITOR
What are the plural forms of
check-in
,
passerby
, and
spoonful
?
See the answer »
QUIZZES
Vocabulary Quiz
Test your word power
Take the Quiz »
Name That Thing
Take our visual quiz
Test Your Knowledge »
WORD OF THE DAY
replenish
:
to fill or build up (something) again (
somewhat formal
)
Learn More »