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subtle
used in The Screwtape Letters

2 meanings, 6 uses
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1  —1 use as in:
a subtle poison
Definition
working in an indirect or hidden way
  • But even if He defeats your first attempt at misdirection, we have a subtler weapon.
    Chapter 4 (60% in)
subtler = more indirect or non-obvious thing or manner that harms
There are no more uses of "subtle" flagged with this meaning in The Screwtape Letters.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary list — Onelook.com®
2  —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)
  • There is a subtle play of looks and tones and laughs by which a Mortal can imply that he is of the same party is those to whom he is speaking.
    Chapter 10 (17% in)
subtle = slightly noticeable
There are no more uses of "subtle" flagged with this meaning in The Screwtape Letters.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary list — Onelook.com®
?  —4 uses
exact meaning not specified
  • Failing this, there is a subtler and more entertaining method.
    Chapter 10 (68% in)
  • If this fails, you must fall back on a subtler misdirection of his intention.
    Chapter 4 (37% in)
  • And it is also to be noted that the Trough sexuality is subtly different in quality from that of the Peak—much less likely to lead to the milk and water phenomenon which the humans call "being in love", much more easily drawn into perversions, much less contaminated by those generous and imaginative and even spiritual concomitants which often render human sexuality so disappointing.
    Chapter 9 (18% in)
  • The man who truly and disinterestedly enjoys any one thing in the world, for its own sake, and without caring twopence what other people say about it, is by that very fact fore-armed against some of our subtlest modes of attack.
    Chapter 13 (79% in)

There are no more uses of "subtle" in The Screwtape Letters.

Typical Usage  (best examples)
Dictionary / pronunciation — Google®Dictionary list — Onelook.com®