subtly
Translation
subtly, delicately, cleverly
Examples
The room was subtly lit by small lamps.
The room was subtly lit by small lamps.
He subtly hinted that he wanted to leave.
He subtly hinted that he wanted to leave.
Grammar Patterns
((modifying a verb)) to do sth. in a way that is not obvious He subtly hinted that he wanted to leave.
Similar Words
Synonyms: delicately, indirectly, cleverly; Antonyms: obviously, blatantly
Etymology
Formed from the adjective 'subtle' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. It means 'in a subtle manner'.
Memory Tips
If you know 'subtle' (not obvious), then 'subtly' is just doing something in that not-obvious way.