ˈsət-ləst, ˈsə-tᵊl-əst ˈsəb-tə-ləst Synonyms of subtile 1 : subtle, elusive a subtile aroma

Define subtile. subtile synonyms, subtile pronunciation, subtile translation, English dictionary definition of subtile. adj. Subtle. sub′tile·ly adv. sub·til′i·ty , sub′tile·ness , sub′til·ty n. American Heritage® …

Recent scientific discoveries have conferred upon man new powers of investigation, whereby nature has been made to reveal secrets so subtile that they never had been dreamt of before in philosophy.

There are 20 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word subtile, 11 of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Definition of 'subtile' subtile in British English (ˈsʌtəl ) adjective a rare spelling of subtle

Dec 26, 2025 · And sometimes this perception, in some kind of bodies, is far more subtile than the sense; so that the sense is but a dull thing in comparison of it: we see a weather-glass will find the …

Sep 21, 2025 · Subtile (adjective): Characterized by subtlety, delicacy, or intricacy; often used to describe something that is not immediately obvious or easily recognized but refined and composed …

subtile adjective Subtle. To contrive or practise cunningly. To scheme or plan cunningly. To tamper; meddle. Tenuous; thin; extremely fine; rare; rarefied: as, subtile vapor; subtile odors or effluvia; a …

Origin of Subtile From Latin subtilis (“fine, thin, slender, delicate" ), perhaps, from sub (“under" ) + tela (“a web, fabric" ); see tela, toil. From Wiktionary Middle English from Old French subtil from Latin …

Sly; artful; cunning; crafty; subtle; as, a subtile person; a subtile adversary; a subtile scheme. [In this sense now commonly written subtle.] [1913 Webster] Syn: Subtile, Acute.