subtly
gb/sˈʌtəli/ us/sˈʌtəli/
B2
English
finoman, burkoltan, kissé, enyhén
B2
1
Usage pattern:
subtly + [verb/adjective] (e.g., subtly [suggest], subtly [wrong])
The ad subtly suggests that you’ll be happier if you buy the product.
A reklám burkoltan azt sugallja, hogy boldogabb leszel, ha megveszed a terméket.
She subtly shifted the conversation away from the awkward topic.
Finoman elterelte a beszélgetést a kínos témáról.
The film subtly criticizes the way power is used.
Learner examples
He subtly hinted that he wanted to leave.
Finoman célzott rá, hogy el akar menni.
The color changes subtly in the light.
A szín finoman változik a fényben.
Common mistake:
Often misspelled as “subtlely” (correct: “subtly”).
Meaning
in a not obvious way
Collocations
subtly suggest
|subtly imply
|subtly hint
|subtly undermine
|subtly change
|subtly shift
|subtly different
|subtly wrong
|subtly alter
|subtly signal
Synonyms
indirectly (Focuses on not saying or doing something openly.)
|
quietly (Emphasizes a low-key, unobtrusive effect.)
|
discreetly (Suggests carefulness to avoid attention or offense.)
Antonyms
openly (Done in a direct, public way.)
|
blatantly (Done in a very obvious, often rude way.)
Themes
communication
|writing
|social_interaction
Definition
In a way that is hard to notice or not said directly.
In a way that is not immediately noticeable, direct, or easy to recognize or understand.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
subtly + [adjective/verb] (e.g., subtly [sweet], subtly [updated])
The recipe has been subtly adjusted to reduce the sugar.
A receptet kissé módosították, hogy kevesebb cukor legyen benne.
Her accent is subtly different from her sister’s.
A kiejtése kissé különbözik a nővéréétől.
The room was subtly scented with jasmine.
Learner examples
The taste is subtly sweet.
Az íze enyhén édes.
The new version is subtly better.
Az új változat kissé jobb.
Common mistake:
Learners may choose “slightly” when they mean an effect that is small but carefully noticeable; “subtly” often implies nuance.
Meaning
to a small degree
Collocations
subtly different
|subtly flavored
|subtly sweet
|subtly spicy
|subtly textured
|subtly shaded
|subtly updated
|subtly improved
|subtly altered
|subtly varied
Synonyms
slightly (Neutral and purely about small degree.)
|
faintly (Often used for weak sensations like light, sound, or smell.)
|
marginally (Common in comparisons and measurements.)
Antonyms
dramatically (By a large amount or with a strong effect.)
|
strongly (With clear intensity or force.)
Themes
description
|food
|design
Definition
A little; not strongly or clearly.
To a small extent, producing a slight but meaningful difference rather than a strong or obvious one.
Grammar
Dictionary form
subtly
IPA
GB/sˈʌtəli/
US/sˈʌtəli/
Syllables & stress
subtly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (subtly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: subtly
- Plural: subtlies
Expressions
to put it subtly
1/tə pˈʊt ˈɪt sˈʌtəli/
fixed phrase
say something in an understated way
Used before a statement to say it in a polite, indirect way.
Examples
- To put it subtly, your presentation needs more work.
- The project is behind schedule— to put it subtly.
- To put it subtly, his comment wasn’t helpful.
Learner examples
- To put it subtly, I disagree.
- To put it subtly, we need a new plan.