All 3 Uses of
subtle
in
The Idiot
- How subtle you are, Afanasy Ivanovitch!†
Chpt 1.13 *
- I continued in that strain for a long while, pointing out to Bachmatoff how impossible it is to follow up the effects of any isolated good deed one may do, in all its influences and subtle workings upon the heart and after-actions of others.†
Chpt 3.6
- But alas! the prince never suspected any such subtleties!†
Chpt 4.6 *
Definitions:
-
(subtle as in: a subtle difference or thinker) not obvious, but understandable by someone with adequate sensitivity and relevant knowledge (perhaps depending upon fine distinctions)
or:
capable of understanding things that require sensitivity and relevant knowledge (perhaps understanding fine distinctions)
-
(subtle as in: a subtle shade of blue) understated so as not to draw excess attention