subtlety

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The quality of being subtle.

   • the subtlety of the Mona Lisa’s smile
   • [H]e had a lifetime of skill in interpreting his father's gestures: those bent knees meant that something of great subtlety was about to be revealed.
2. 2

   An instance of being subtle, a subtle thing, especially a subtle argument or distinction.

   • The subtleties of this overture are often overlooked.
   • 1561, William Whittingham et al. (translators), Geneva Bible, Wisdom of Solomon 8.8, [S]he [Wisdom] knoweth the subtilties of wordes, and the solutions of darke sentences:
3. 3

   An ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, especially when made from one thing…

   An ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, especially when made from one thing but crafted to look like another.

   • At the king's coronation feast, several subtleties were served between main courses.
   • the seruice […] was sumpteous, with many subtleties, straunge deuises, with seuerall poses, and many deintie dishes.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      The quality of being clever in surreptitious or deceitful behaviour

      The quality of being clever in surreptitious or deceitful behaviour; an act or argument that shows this quality.

      • When eyther Hare or Deare, or any other chase vseth subtleties to deceyue the houndes, we saye they crosse or double.
      • [She] resolued now with plainnesse to winne trust, which trust she might after deceyue with a greater subtletie.
      • But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
   2. 5

      A trick that creates a false appearance.

      • You doe yet taste / Some subtleties o’ th’ Isle, that will not let you / Beleeue things certaine:
   3. 6

      The property of having a low density or thin consistency.

      • About the Air is to be considered, its Temperature as to Heat, Dryness and Moisture, and the Measures of them, its Weight, Clearness, Refractive Power, its Subtilty or Grosness […]
   4. 7

      The property of being able to penetrate materials easily.

      • Hence we see the amazing Subtlety of this Fire, which pervades Glass as readily as if nothing were in the Way.

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