subtle
Translation
subtle, delicate, clever
Examples
There was a subtle change in his mood.
There was a subtle change in his mood.
Her plan was very subtle and clever.
Her plan was very subtle and clever.
Grammar Patterns
((as an adjective before a noun)) not obvious or easy to notice (sth.) There was a subtle change in his mood.
Similar Words
Synonyms: delicate, faint, understated; Antonyms: obvious, blatant
Etymology
From Latin 'subtilis' (finely woven), from 'sub' (under) + 'tela' (web). The idea of being 'under the web' relates to being hard to see or grasp.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'sub'marine being 'tle' (little), making it hard to detect. It operates in a subtle way.