subtle

Universal Words adjective (subtler, subtlest) HELPNOTE more subtle is also common. 1 (often approving) not very noticeable or obvious: subtle colours / flavours * subtle changes / differences / distinctions * The fragrance is a subtle blend of jasmine and sandalwood. * She's been dropping subtle hints about what she'd like as a present. 2 (of a person or their behaviour) behaving in a clever way, and using indirect methods, in order to achieve sth: There was nothing subtle or sophisticated about him. * I decided to try a more subtle approach. 3 organized in a clever way: a subtle strategy / plan / technique * a subtle use of lighting in the play 4 good at noticing and understanding things: The job required a subtle mind. subtly adverb: Her version of events is subtly different from what actually happened. * Not very subtly, he raised the subject of money. * Government policy has already shifted subtly.