All 3 Uses of
subtle
in
Othello, the Moor of Venice
- Make all the money thou canst; if sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and a supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her; therefore make money.†
Scene 1.3
- why, none; why, none;—a slipper and subtle knave; a finder out of occasions; that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself: a devilish knave!†
Scene 2.1 *
- This is a subtle whore, A closet-lock-and-key of villainous secrets: And yet she'll kneel and pray; I have seen her do't.†
Scene 4.2
Definitions:
-
(1)
(subtle as in: a subtle poison) working in an indirect or hidden way
-
(2)
(subtle as in: a subtle shade of blue) understated so as not to draw excess attention
-
(3)
(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)