subtly
gb/sˈʌtəli/ us/sˈʌtəli/
B2
Inglese
Accezioni
0 accezioni
adverb
B2
property
1
in a not obvious way
In a way that is hard to notice or not said directly.
Schema d'uso:
subtly + [verb/adjective] (e.g., subtly [suggest], subtly [wrong])
Errore comune:
Often misspelled as “subtlely” (correct: “subtly”).
Sinonimi
indirectly (Focuses on not saying or doing something openly.)
|
quietly (Emphasizes a low-key, unobtrusive effect.)
|
discreetly (Suggests carefulness to avoid attention or offense.)
Contrari
openly (Done in a direct, public way.)
|
blatantly (Done in a very obvious, often rude way.)
Collocazioni
subtly suggest
|subtly imply
|subtly hint
|subtly undermine
|subtly change
|subtly shift
|subtly different
|subtly wrong
|subtly alter
|subtly signal
Temi
communication
|writing
|social_interaction
Esempi
- The ad subtly suggests that you’ll be happier if you buy the product.
- She subtly shifted the conversation away from the awkward topic.
- The film subtly criticizes the way power is used.
Esempi per chi studia
- He subtly hinted that he wanted to leave.
- The color changes subtly in the light.
adverb
B2
quantity
2
to a small degree
A little; not strongly or clearly.
Schema d'uso:
subtly + [adjective/verb] (e.g., subtly [sweet], subtly [updated])
Errore comune:
Learners may choose “slightly” when they mean an effect that is small but carefully noticeable; “subtly” often implies nuance.
Sinonimi
slightly (Neutral and purely about small degree.)
|
faintly (Often used for weak sensations like light, sound, or smell.)
|
marginally (Common in comparisons and measurements.)
Contrari
dramatically (By a large amount or with a strong effect.)
|
strongly (With clear intensity or force.)
Collocazioni
subtly different
|subtly flavored
|subtly sweet
|subtly spicy
|subtly textured
|subtly shaded
|subtly updated
|subtly improved
|subtly altered
|subtly varied
Temi
description
|food
|design
Esempi
- The recipe has been subtly adjusted to reduce the sugar.
- Her accent is subtly different from her sister’s.
- The room was subtly scented with jasmine.
Esempi per chi studia
- The taste is subtly sweet.
- The new version is subtly better.
Grammatica
Forma base
subtly
IPA
GB/sˈʌtəli/
US/sˈʌtəli/
Sillabe e accento
subtly (1 sillaba)
Stress on 1st syllable (subtly)
Forme flesse
Noun
- Base: subtly
- Plural: subtlies
Espressioni
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.
Esempi
- 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.