Subtil (en. Subtle)

syb-til

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

adjective

Manifesting in a discreet and delicate manner.

He has a subtle taste that delights the palate.

Il a un goût subtil qui ravit les papilles.

Expressing with finesse or requiring a fine perception.

She made a subtle remark about his behavior.

Elle a fait une remarque subtile sur son comportement.

Distinguished by intelligence or cunning.

It’s a subtle debate that requires reflection.

C'est un débat subtil qui requiert de la réflexion.

From Latin 'subtilis', meaning 'fine, delicate'.

subtle as a serpent

Refers to a cunning or deceptive person.

subtil comme un serpent

take the subtle path

To act with caution and intelligence.

prendre le subtil chemin

subtle game

A strategy that requires finesse.

jeu subtil

subtlety

The quality of being subtle, a finesse in expression or thought.

subtilité

subtle

Feminine form of the word subtle.

subtile

subtly

In a subtle manner, with finesse.

subtilement

Used to describe something that is really well hidden.

This movie is really subtle; you have to watch it twice to understand everything.

Ce film est vraiment subtil, il faut le regarder deux fois pour tout comprendre.

Indicates a person who plays on nuances.

He's a subtle one; he always knows what to say to avoid hurting feelings.

C'est un subtil, il sait toujours quoi dire pour ne pas blesser.