subtle.

1. Present in a fine, slight, or indirect way that requires attention to notice.

2. Able to handle complex details or indirect methods with skill.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• subtle distinction
• subtle shift

On the page

A subtle shift in emphasis changed the sentence's force.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Comparative more subtle; superlative most subtle when comparison is meaningful. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Commonness: moderately common.