subtle

adjective sub·tle \ˈsə-t^əl\

: hard to notice or see : not obvious

: clever and indirect : not showing your real purpose

: having or showing skill at recognizing and understanding things that are not obvious

sub·tler \ˈsət-lər, ˈsə-t^əl-ər\ sub·tlest \ˈsət-ləst, ˈsə-t^əl-əst\

Full Definition of SUBTLE

a : delicate, elusive <a subtle fragrance>

b : difficult to understand or perceive : obscure <subtle differences in sound>

a : perceptive, refined <a writer's sharp and subtle moral sense>

b : having or marked by keen insight and ability to penetrate deeply and thoroughly <a subtle scholar>

a : highly skillful : expert <a subtle craftsman>

b : cunningly made or contrived : ingenious

: artful, crafty <a subtle rogue>

: operating insidiously <subtle poisons>

— sub·tle·ness \ˈsə-t^əl-nəs\ noun

— sub·tly \ˈsət-lē, ˈsə-t^əl-(l)ē\ adverb

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Examples of SUBTLE

Although artists and patrons in Venice still sought images of ideal figures, they insisted that this imagery be rooted in a more subtle and insightful interpretation of human life and character. —Andrew Butterfield, New York Review of Books, 16 July 2009
These days, some of the most exciting cooking with brown rice is taking place in Japan, where purveyors are beginning to embrace the subtle variations that can be achieved through custom-milling and cooks are repurposing traditional techniques and dishes to accommodate the food's flavors and textures. —Karen Shimizu, Saveur, May 2008
The language of the face communicates maximum information through the subtlest inflections. The interfaces of our souls are designed to be read in a heartbeat. —Steve Silberman, Wired, May 2003
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Origin of SUBTLE

Middle English sotil, subtile, from Anglo-French, from Latin subtilis, literally, finely textured, from sub- + tela cloth on a loom; akin to Latin texere to weave — more at technical

First Known Use: 14th century