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subtletythe quality of being subtle; delicate skill in handling or treating something

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the quality of being subtle; delicate skill in handling or treating something

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsʌtəlti/

Example Sentences

  • He completely missed the subtlety of her sarcastic comment and thought she was being sincere.
  • The chef's subtlety in combining flavors created a masterpiece dish.
  • Politicians often use subtlety to avoid giving direct answers to difficult questions.

subtlety

NOUN

[/ˈsʌtəlti/]

the quality of being subtle; delicate skill in handling or treating something

The subtlety between the two paintings was noticed only by experts.
💡 Concept

The subtlety between the two paintings was noticed only by experts.

The subtlety of the queen's signal was understood by only one advisor. (SMALL DETAIL + HIDDEN MEANING = SUBTLETY → subtlety is the quality of being delicate, slight, and difficult to notice)
🧠 Mnemonic

The subtlety of the queen's signal was understood by only one advisor. (SMALL DETAIL + HIDDEN MEANING = SUBTLETY → subtlety is the quality of being delicate, slight, and difficult to notice)

A subtlety hidden in the mystery led to an important discovery.
🎵 Rhyme

A subtlety hidden in the mystery led to an important discovery.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsʌtəlti/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsʌtəlti/

🌳Etymology

Rootsubtle
Suffix--ty

🎵Rhyme

crueltypenaltyloyalty
cruelty
penalty
loyalty

🔗Collocations

the subtlety of
lack subtlety
appreciate the subtlety
with great subtlety
subtlety and nuance
diplomatic subtlety
miss the subtlety

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

He completely missed the subtlety of her sarcastic comment and thought she was being sincere.

The chef's subtlety in combining flavors created a masterpiece dish.

Politicians often use subtlety to avoid giving direct answers to difficult questions.

😄 Fun example

The subtlety of his hint was lost on his dense roommate who kept playing loud music.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

delicacyrefinementsophisticationnuancefinesse

Antonyms

crudenessbluntnessobviousness

Related

subtlesubtlynuancedrefinedsophisticated

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