subtly
adv. manneradv. in a way that is not easy to notice or see. You use this when someone does something in a clever or quiet way.
adv. in a manner that is delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe; not obvious or loud.
She subtly changed the subject during the meeting.
The lighting in the restaurant was subtly adjusted to create a more intimate atmosphere as the evening progressed.
The author subtly weaves themes of loss and redemption throughout the narrative, never explicitly stating them but allowing the reader to feel their weight in every chapter.
From Middle English sotilly; equivalent to subtle + -ly.
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
He acted subtlelyHe acted subtlyThe adverbial form of 'subtle' is spelled 'subtly', dropping the 'e' before adding 'ly'.