Subtle
mediumNeutral toneSUH-tul
adjective
Definition
delicately complex, faint, or not obvious
Memory hook
SUBTLE: the B is silent — just like the word itself, it slips by unnoticed, faint and barely there.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“There was a subtle shift in her tone that only close friends would notice.”
“The wine has a subtle hint of oak beneath its fruit.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“There was a ______ shift in her tone that only close friends would notice.”
Show answer
subtle
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Subtle is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "nuanced" or "delicate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "obvious".
Related GRE Words
vacuous
empty of meaning, intelligence, or substance
vapid
dull, flat, and lacking liveliness or interest
convoluted
extremely complex and intricate; hard to follow
eclectic
drawing from a diverse range of sources or styles
fragile
Easily broken or damaged; delicate
ruminate
to think deeply and at length; to ponder
Master subtle and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.