3 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)
- ...you first, because I had an influence over you and was afraid that you would force yourself, from gratitude, to respond to my love, would try to rouse in your heart a feeling which was perhaps absent, and I did not wish that .... because it would be tyranny .... it would be indelicate (in short, I launch off at that point into European, inexplicably lofty subtleties a la George Sand), but now, now you are mine, you are my creation, you are pure, you are good, you are my noble wife.2.8 — Part 2 Chapter 8 (48% in)
There are no more uses of "subtle" flagged with this meaning in Notes from the Underground.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —2 uses
exact meaning not specified
- It is so subtle, so difficult of analysis, that persons who are a little limited, or even simply persons of strong nerves, will not understand a single atom of it.1.3 — Part 1 Chapter 3 (57% in)
- Have you noticed that it is the most civilised gentlemen who have been the subtlest slaughterers, to whom the Attilas and Stenka Razins could not hold a candle, and if they are not so conspicuous as the Attilas and Stenka Razins it is simply because they are so often met with, are so ordinary and have become so familiar to us.1.7 — Part 1 Chapter 7 (57% in)
There are no more uses of "subtle" in Notes from the Underground.
Typical Usage
(best examples)