subtle etymology

Etymology:

• Sub-: Latin prefix meaning "under," "slightly," or "less."
• Tilis: Latin adjective meaning "fine," "delicate," or "threadlike."

Meaning:

• Delicate, subtle, or barely perceptible.
• Not obvious or easily noticeable.
• Suggesting something hidden or underlying.

Origin:

The word "subtle" entered English in the early 13th century from the Anglo-Norman French word "suttil," which in turn originated from the Latin "subtilis." The Latin term was used to describe something made of fine threads or threads that were difficult to see. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to encompass qualities such as delicacy, finesse, and elusiveness.

Usage:

• "The artist's brushstrokes were so subtle that they seemed to blend into the canvas."
• "The company's marketing campaign employed subtle cues to engage viewers."
• "Her smile was a subtle indication of her amusement."
• "The evidence for the existence of extraterrestrial life is still subtle and inconclusive."
• "The therapist used subtle techniques to help the patient explore their unconscious mind."

subtle relate terms

• subtile

  Etymology Latin subtilis Middle French soutil Old French soltil Meaning P

• subtle

  Etymology Sub Latin prefix meaning under slightly or less Tilis Latin adjec

• subtle

  Etymology Sub Latin prefix meaning under slightly or less Tilis Latin adjec

• subtlety

  Etymology Middle English subtilitee from Anglo Norman French subtiltee from Latin su

• text

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It examines the diff

• subtlety

  Etymology Middle English subtilitee from Anglo Norman French subtiltee from Latin su

• insidious

  Etymology The word insidious is derived from the Latin word insidiosus meaning craf

• pernicious

  Etymology Latin pernicies destruction from per completely and nex death

• aura

  Etymology The word aura is derived from the Latin word aura which means a breeze o

• casuist

  Etymology The word casuist derives from the Latin word casuista which is derived from c

• sophistry

  Etymology Ancient Greek σοφιστής sophistês meaning wise man teacher

• serpentine

  Etymology The word serpentine comes from the Latin word serpens which means serpen

• conception

  Etymology The word conception derives from the Latin conceptio which means taking t

• address

  Etymology The word address derives from the Old French word adrecier which in turn

• replenish

  Etymology Latin replenire to fill up again re prefix meaning back plenus