Word · CEFR C1 · Frequency #9692
subtly
敏锐地，巧妙地，精细地
in a subtle manner
- 1.
With subtleness, in a subtle manner; with cleverness rather than brute force.
以微妙的方式,巧妙地而非用蛮力。
以微妙的方式,巧妙地而非用蛮力。；敏锐地；巧妙地；精细地
In use
The artist subtly blended different colors to create a soft transition.
He subtly hinted that he was unhappy with the decision.
The design subtly incorporates elements of nature.
subtly + verb
subtly 放在动词前，强调动作的细微或巧妙方式。
She subtly hinted at the problem.
她巧妙地暗示了问题。
verb + subtly
subtly 放在动词后，修饰动作的方式，常见于描述变化或混合。
The flavors blend subtly.
味道微妙地融合在一起。
subtly + adjective
subtly 修饰形容词，表示程度或性质上的细微差别。
The design is subtly elegant.
设计精致而微妙。
Common mistakes
He answered subtle.He answered subtly.
“Subtle” 是形容词，不能修饰动词 “answered”。应使用副词形式 “subtly” 来修饰动词。
It was a subtly design.It was a subtle design.
“Subtly” 是副词，不能修饰名词 “design”。应使用形容词 “subtle” 来描述名词。
Connections
Collocations
- subtly different
- 微妙地不同
- The two patterns are subtly different.这两个图案有细微的差别。
- subtly altered
- 巧妙地修改
- The recipe was subtly altered to improve the taste.食谱被巧妙地修改以改善味道。
- subtly nuanced
- 微妙而富有层次
- His performance was subtly nuanced.他的表演微妙而富有层次。
- subtly flavored
- 有淡淡的味道
- The tea is subtly flavored with jasmine.这种茶有淡淡的茉莉花香。
- subtly hint
- 巧妙地暗示
- She subtly hinted at her dissatisfaction.她巧妙地暗示了自己的不满。
- subtly change
Learner notes
Memory Tip
sub（下）+ tly（轻）= 下层轻柔，意为巧妙地精细。
Context & Register
语域：mixed 常见场景：描述行为、表达方式 通常用于正式或非正式场合，比较常见于描述细腻或微妙差异的语境中。
Pronunciation & Spelling
All listed words share the /tli/ ending sound with 'subtly', matching its pronunciation pattern. Note that 'subtly' has the vowel /ʌ/ while others have different vowels, but the consonant cluster and rhyme are identical.
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, OCTANOVE, WIKTIONARY.