sutile etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: sutil
• Latin: subtilis
• Proto-Indo-European root: *sut- ("to sew")

Meaning:

• Delicate, fine, or refined
• Clever, astute, or discerning
• Evanescent, elusive, or barely perceptible

Origin:

The word "subtle" comes from the Latin word "subtilis," which means "fine, delicate, or thin." This word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *sut-, which means "to sew."

In ancient times, the ability to sew fine and intricate garments was a sign of skill and craftsmanship. As a result, the word "subtle" came to be associated with qualities of delicacy, refinement, and attention to detail.

Over time, the meaning of "subtle" expanded to include intellectual and emotional qualities. It came to be used to describe someone who is clever, astute, or discerning. It can also be used to describe something that is evanescent, elusive, or barely perceptible.

Examples of Use:

• "She had a subtle sense of humor that only the most discerning people could appreciate."
• "The subtle scent of lavender permeated the room."
• "The artist's brushstrokes were so subtle that the painting seemed to come alive before your eyes."
• "The subtle implications of his words were lost on the inattentive listener."
• "The love between them was as subtle as the first bloom of spring."

sutile relate terms

• accouter

  Etymology Origin Old French escouter Late Latin auscultare Proto Indo European

• couture

  Etymology Couture originates from the French word couture which is a derivative of t

• seam

  Etymology The word seam has multiple origins Old English seam a border join M

• souter

  Etymology The word souter comes from the Old French word souter meaning cobbler I

• souvlaki

  Etymology The word souvlaki σουβλάκι is derived from the Greek word souvla

• Sutra

  Etymology The word sutra is derived from the Sanskrit word sūtra which means threa

• sutile

  Etymology Old French sutil Latin subtilis Proto Indo European root sut to sew

• suture

  Etymology The word suture comes from the Latin word sutura which means seam or a

• mimosa

  Etymology Late Latin mimosa feminine of mimosus full of actors mimic from Greek mi

• engage

  Etymology From Middle English enwagen from Old English onweagian On on upon

• eminent

  Etymology Latin eminēre to stand out project Proto Indo European men to thin

• conciliate

  Etymology Latin conciliare to call together reconcile Con together calare to

• autumn

  Etymology of autumn The word autumn derives from the Latin autumnus which origina

• fortune

  Etymology From Middle English fortune noun and verb from Old French fortune from La

• purpose

  Etymology Latin propositum n from the verb proponere to put forth propose Pro

• accommodate

  Etymology Latin accommodare meaning to adjust adapt conform Root commodus m

• Rubicon

  Etymology The word Rubicon is derived from the Latin phrase rubico flumine which mea