All 4 Uses of
subtle
in
David Copperfield
- This veneration Mr. Dick extended to the Doctor, whom he thought the most subtle and accomplished philosopher of any age.†
Chpt 16-18
- Indeed, they were more and more brightly exhibited as the hours went on; for I thought even then, and I have no doubt now, that the consciousness of success in his determination to please, inspired him with a new delicacy of perception, and made it, subtle as it was, more easy to him.†
Chpt 19-21
- He is subtle and watchful.†
Chpt 25-27 *
- But, as I have recorded in the narrative of my school days, his veneration for the Doctor was unbounded; and there is a subtlety of perception in real attachment, even when it is borne towards man by one of the lower animals, which leaves the highest intellect behind.†
Chpt 40-42 *
Definitions:
-
(subtle as in: a subtle shade of blue) understated so as not to draw excess attention
-
(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)