subtly

/ˈsʌtəli/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈʌtəli] /ˈsʌtəli/ (ame, ipa)

subtly — adverb

1. so slightly or indirectly that people may not notice it at first, even though it

1.副詞C1
釋義

so slightly or indirectly that people may not notice it at first, even though it still changes the effect, meaning, or mood of something

例句

Theo subtly moved the photo behind the flowers before his mother arrived.

subtly + past action that changes a scene quietly

Apinya subtly changed the soup by adding lime after the guests sat down.

subtly change + noun

同義詞
  • slightly

    focuses on a small degree, not on a hidden or indirect effect

  • delicately

    often suggests fine control or sensitivity more than hidden change

  • faintly

    usually describes weak sounds, smells, or colours rather than signals

  • indirectly

    stresses not being direct, especially in speech or criticism

反義詞
  • obviously

    shows that the effect or meaning is easy to notice

  • plainly

    emphasizes directness and lack of hidden meaning

  • blatantly

    adds a strong sense of being openly and even rudely obvious

文法句型

subtly change + noun

subtly point to + noun

be subtly + adjective/participle

用法筆記

Often describes movements, changes, sounds, colours, or hints that are real but easy to miss at first. It can be used for both deliberate actions and gradual changes in how something looks or feels.

常見錯誤

❌Mina subtly left the room before dinner.
✅Mina quietly left the room before dinner.
💡'subtly' is about a hard-to-notice effect or signal, not simply leaving without noise.
❌The box was subtly heavier than the other one.
✅The box was slightly heavier than the other one.
💡'subtly' suggests a difference that is hard to notice, not just a small amount by itself.