subtle

subtle
[ˈsʌt(ə)l]
(subtler, subtlest)
  1. (especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe
    (尤指变化或差别)微妙的;细微的;难以描述的;难以分析的
    his language expresses rich and subtle meanings.
    他的语言表达了丰富,深奥的意义。
    ■(of a mixture or effect) delicately complex and understated
    (混合物,效果)精细复杂的;轻描淡写的;隐约的
    subtle lighting.
    隐隐约约的灯光。
    ■making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something
    灵活迂回的,巧妙的
    he tried a more subtle approach.
    他试了一种更巧妙的方法。
    ■capable of making fine distinctions
    敏锐的
    a subtle mind.
    敏锐的头脑。
    ■arranged in an ingenious and elaborate way
    精妙的,精巧的;精湛的
    ■(archaic)crafty; cunning
    (古)狡猾的,狡诈的
派生
subtleness
noun
subtly
adverb
语源
  1. Middle English (also in the sense 'not easily understood'): from Old French sotil, from Latin subtilis
英语宝典
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