ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›S›subtle
ISEE/SSATeasy
subtle
not obvious; delicate or difficult to notice
Synonyms
- faint
- delicate
- nuanced
Antonyms
- obvious
- blunt
- plain
subtle in a sentence
The actor gave a subtle smile before answering.
There was a subtle difference between the two shades of blue.
Where it comes from
From Latin subtilis, meaning 'finely woven' or 'precise.'
Memory hook
The b in subtle is silent, just like a subtle clue can be easy to miss.
Word parts
- sub — under
subtle: sub- (under) + til (fine weave)
Read it in context
- The Line Between Gardens Narrative