subtly C1 Topic:Describing Qualities US /ˈsʌt.l̩.li/ UK /ˈsʌt.li/ See IPA manual Freq #28994 Meanings 1 adv In a quiet, delicate way that is not obvious or easy to notice. The two photos differ subtly in their lighting. 2 adv In a clever, skilful way rather than by force. She subtly steered the conversation toward the topic she wanted. Etymology AI details From Middle English sotilly; equivalent to subtle + -ly. sotilly Middle English View etymology graph -> Topics Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives External links Google Images Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary # subtly **Type:** Word **Level:** C1 **Part of speech:** adv **IPA (US):** /ˈsʌt.l̩.li/ **IPA (UK):** /ˈsʌt.li/ **Frequency rank:** 28994 ## Meanings 1. In a quiet, delicate way that is not obvious or easy to notice. 2. In a clever, skilful way rather than by force. ## Examples - The two photos differ subtly in their lighting. - She subtly steered the conversation toward the topic she wanted. ## Roots and Affixes - Root: sotilly ## Etymology From Middle English sotilly; equivalent to subtle + -ly. ## AI Etymology Subtly is from Middle English sotilly; equivalent to subtle + -ly. A key historical form is Middle English sotilly. In present-day use, it can mean in a quiet, delicate way that is not obvious or easy to notice, or in a clever, skilful way rather than by force. ## Topics - Describing Qualities - Word Formation & Derivatives markdown