5 uses
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1 —1 use 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)
- But now let us bethink us of battle with all speed; this is no time to dally here with subtleties, for a great work is yet undone.Book 19 (36% in)
There are no more uses of "subtle" flagged with this meaning in The Iliad by Homer (translated by: Lang, Leaf, & Myers).
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —4 uses
exact meaning not specified
- Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on.Book 22 (47% in)
- And to him in subtlety queen Hera spake: 'Though wilt play the cheat and not accomplish thy word.Book 19 (26% in)
- So spake she, and Zeus no wise perceived her subtlety but sware a mighty oath, and therewith was he sore blinded.Book 19 (27% in)
- For on this side and on that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the ships went Hera, and Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent in subtle thoughts; and with these went Hephaistos in the greatness of his strength, halting, but his shrunk legs moved nimbly under him: but to the Trojans went Ares of the glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn hair, and archer Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.Book 20 (8% in)
There are no more uses of "subtle" in The Iliad by Homer (translated by: Lang, Leaf, & Myers).
Typical Usage
(best examples)