subtlest

Variant of subtle

subtle definition

sub·tle (sut'l)

adjective subtler sub′·tler (-lər, -'l ər), subtlest sub′·tlest

  1. thin; rare; tenuous; not dense or heavy a subtle gas
    1. capable of making or noticing fine distinctions in meaning, etc. a subtle thinker
    2. marked by or requiring mental keenness subtle reasoning
  2. delicately skillful or clever; deft or ingenious a subtle filigree
  3. not open or direct; crafty; sly
  4. delicately suggestive; not grossly obvious a subtle hint
  5. working insidiously; not easily detected a subtle poison

Etymology: ME sotil < OFr soutil < L subtilis, fine, thin, precise, orig., closely woven < sub- (see sub-) + tela, web < *texla < texere, to weave: see technic

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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