# subtlety

/ˈsətəɫti/ (US) · /sˈʌtəlti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subtlety
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 3. cleverness or trickery

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

the use of clever or indirect methods to get what you want.

For teachers: the quality of being clever in a surreptitious or deceitful manner; an act or argument demonstrating such cleverness.

- He used great subtlety to convince his boss to give him a raise.
- The diplomat was admired for the subtlety with which he navigated the tense negotiations without offending either party.

### 4. medieval food decoration

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a special food decoration in the Middle Ages made to look like something else.

For teachers: an ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, typically crafted from edible materials to resemble a different object.

- The king's feast featured a subtlety made of sugar that looked like a castle.
- During the banquet, the servants brought out a magnificent subtlety in the shape of a stag, much to the delight of the gathered nobility.

## Examples

- The chef uses spices with great subtlety.
- The actor's performance was praised for its subtlety, as he conveyed deep sadness through only minor changes in his expression.
- While the plot of the novel is simple, the subtlety of the character development reveals a profound understanding of human relationships and social dynamics.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.