noun
subtlety
SUT-ul-tee/ˈsʌtlti/
A quality or detail that is delicate or not immediately obvious.
The artist examines the subtlety of the hue difference between the fabric swatches.
Etymology
The “under” and “web” base suggests fine weaving, interpreted by Watkins as a fine thread passing under the warp. The quality noun meant fineness, which provides the connection to a delicate quality or distinction that is easily missed.
In context
apply a little bit more subtlety to the to the joke to imply the payoff
More examples
- Good headphones reveal the subtleties in the singer’s voice.
- He misses a subtlety in the wording of the agreement.
- The painting’s pale colors give it a pleasing subtlety.
Forms
subtlety · subtleties
subtle adjective — Delicate or difficult to notice immediately.
subtly adverb — In a delicate or barely noticeable way.
Similar words
- nuance
- Usually identifies a slight difference in meaning, feeling, or expression.
- delicacy
- Emphasizes fineness or lightness rather than difficulty of detection.