French Conversation · Level 27
90 words
French word
subtilité
Pronunciation
IPA/syptilite/
Meaning
- feminine nounsubtlety
Example
Il remarque la subtilité des détails.
He notices the subtlety of the details.
More examples
Il faut faire preuve de subtilité dans cette situation.
It is necessary to demonstrate subtlety in this situation.
Core concept
A quiet layer of skill that makes an idea, detail, or action effective without being immediately obvious.
Common phrases
faire preuve de subtilité
demonstrate subtlety
manquer de subtilité
be lacking in subtlety
Similar words
nuance: A slight difference in meaning or expression.
finesse: Skillful handling of things through delicate ingenuity.
Definition in French
Manière délicate et souvent habile de procéder ou d'exprimer, qui met en valeur des nuances difficiles à saisir immédiatement.
Word origin
French subtilité continues Latin subtilitas, an abstract noun formed from subtilis, and preserves its association with fineness and careful skill.
Usage tips
- In everyday speech, nuance often sounds more natural for a fine distinction, while subtilité can sound more formal or analytical.