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Subtlety for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'sətəlti

What does Subtlety really mean?

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Student: Hi teacher, I'm having trouble understanding the word "subtlety." Can you help me out?

Teacher: Absolutely! I'd be happy to explain it to you. So imagine you're eating a delicious strawberry, and as you take a bite, you notice that it has a very delicate and gentle flavor. The sweetness isn't overpowering, but it's there, just slightly hidden. That's a bit like the concept of "subtlety." It refers to something that is not immediately obvious or noticeable, but is more nuanced or understated.

Sometimes, when we express ourselves, we use words or actions that are not very direct or explicit. Instead, we convey our message in a subtle way, where the meaning is not immediately apparent. It's like leaving hints or clues for someone to pick up on, rather than explicitly stating what we mean. Subtlety can be seen in various forms of art, such as paintings or movies, where subtle details or gestures can convey emotions or deeper meanings beyond what is explicitly shown.

Sometimes, people use subtlety to add depth to their communication. And have you ever played the game of hide-and-seek? The person hiding tries to be subtle and camouflaged so that the seeker doesn't find them easily. It's kind of like that in communication as well, where we hide our meaning a little bit, waiting for the other person to discover it.

Now, apart from this meaning, "subtlety" can also refer to having a keen sense of perception or being able to notice small details that others might overlook. It's like having a superpower to see things that are not easily seen. This kind of skill enables us to understand things at a deeper level and appreciate the beauty in the subtle aspects of life.

So, that's what "subtlety" means. It's like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, a gentle whisper amidst the noise, a painting with invisible strokes that add depth, or a strawberry with a lingering, delicate taste. It's all about those little things that require a keen eye or ear to truly grasp their significance.

Revised and Fact checked by Robert Taylor on 2023-10-28 22:03:59

Subtlety In a sentece

Learn how to use Subtlety inside a sentece

  • When you draw a picture, adding small details and shading to make it look realistic is a subtlety.
  • In music, sometimes the melody is very soft and gentle, creating a subtlety in the overall sound.
  • When you tell a joke, sometimes the funniest part is the subtlety of the punchline, which only a few people might understand.
  • In a story, the author might hint at a character's true intentions through subtlety, without directly saying it.
  • When you taste a dish, you might notice a subtle flavor that adds a special subtlety to the overall taste.

Subtlety Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Subtlety Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.