4 uses
(click/touch triangles for details)
1 —2 uses as in:
a subtle difference or thinker
Definition
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)
or:
capable of understanding things that require sensitivity and relevant knowledge (perhaps understanding fine distinctions)
- With the subtleties of dressing ran other complex worries.Chapter 1 (75% in)
- He did not confuse audiences by silly subtleties; Prout represented honest industry, Seneca Doane represented whining laziness, and you could take your choice.Chapter 14 (7% in)
There are no more uses of "subtle" flagged with this meaning in Babbitt.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —2 uses
exact meaning not specified
- At home he was interested only when he was asked to trace some subtle ill in the ignition system of the car.Chapter 18 (7% in)
- "The whole thing is," he explained to Paul Riesling, "these old codgers lack the subtlety that you got to have to-day."Chapter 6 (8% in)
There are no more uses of "subtle" in Babbitt.
Typical Usage
(best examples)