subtle | SAT Word of the Day
⚡️ SUBTLE most nearly means: (A) obvious and loud; (B) complicated; (C) not easily noticed; (D) mysterious and dark. 👉 Answer + examples, pronunciation, and full SAT explanation inside.
ℹ️ Part of speech of subtle
subtle is an ADJECTIVE.
🗣️ Pronunciation of subtle
subtle is pronounced /ˈsʌ.təl/ or SUH-tul.
👉️ Important! In the word subtle, the b is silent, like the b in debt or the s in island. You can remember that the b in subtle is subtle.
📚️ Definition of subtle
Not obvious or easily detected; delicate and understated; requiring careful observation to notice or understand. Example: a subtle hint.
📰 Examples
Here are some examples of subtle in usage:
The perfume's subtle notes of jasmine and vanilla hinted of mystery.
In college, I had a photography assignment that required us to photograph white chicken eggs on a white sheet; the assignment was called "subtle eggs."
Rainie's subtle eye-roll spoke volumes about how she really felt.
✅ Quiz answer
Answer to the question above:
C, not easily noticed. Explanations: A doesn't work; that's the opposite of subtle. B could describe something complex or intricate, but that's not what subtle means. D might describe something enigmatic or sinister, which is different from subtle's meaning of understated or delicate.