Subtely vs. Subtly — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 29, 2024
"Subtely" is an incorrect spelling, while "Subtly" is the correct form, meaning in a delicate or understated manner.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Subtely or Subtly
How to spell Subtly?
Subtely
Incorrect Spelling
Subtly
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of the phrase "suttle-y" to recall the correct spelling.
Keep in mind that the word "subtle" is the base, and you're just adding "ly."
Compare with similar words like "gentle" becoming "gently."
No extra 'e' is needed; it's simpler than it seems.
Remember, "subtle" ends with "le" and when adding "ly," it becomes "subtly."
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How Do You Spell Subtly Correctly?
Incorrect: His attempts at humor were full of subtely.
Correct: His attempts at humor were full of subtly.
Incorrect: The artist added subtely shaded details to the painting.
Correct: The artist added subtly shaded details to the painting.
Incorrect: He hinted at his intentions with subtely.
Correct: He hinted at his intentions with subtly.
Incorrect: She spoke to him with such subtely that no one else noticed.
Correct: She spoke to him with such subtly that no one else noticed.
Incorrect: The flavors in the dish were blended with great subtely.
Correct: The flavors in the dish were blended with great subtly.
Subtly Definitions
"Subtly" refers to something done in a fine or delicate manner.
She subtly hinted that she wanted to leave.
"Subtly" describes an action carried out with slightness or understatement.
His voice subtly changed when he saw her.
"Subtly" denotes an action or quality that's not overt or in-your-face.
The spices were subtly blended into the dish.
"Subtly" can imply a craftiness or slyness in manner or action.
He subtly maneuvered the conversation to his advantage.
"Subtly" indicates something that may not be immediately obvious or noticeable.
The room was subtly lit with candles.
So slight as to be difficult to detect or describe; elusive
A subtle smile.
Difficult to understand; abstruse
An argument whose subtle point was lost on her opponent.
Able to make fine distinctions
A subtle mind.
Operating in a hidden, usually injurious way; insidious
A subtle poison.
Characterized by skill or ingenuity; clever.
Crafty or sly; devious.
With subtleness, in a subtle manner; with cleverness rather than brute force.
In a subtle manner; slyly; artfully; cunningly.
Thou seest how subtly to detain thee I devise.
Nicely; delicately.
In the nice bee what sense so subtly true.
Subtly communicating itself to my sensibilities, but evading the analysis of my mind.
Deceitfully; delusively.
In a subtle manner;
Late nineteenth-century French opera at its most beautiful, subtly romantic with a twilight melancholy
Subtly Meaning in a Sentence
The movie's theme is conveyed very subtly.
She moved subtly to avoid drawing attention.
The difference in taste was subtly noticeable.
The colors in the sky changed subtly as the sun set.
The scent of the flowers was subtly present in the room.
She was subtly mocking him without being overt.
His expressions changed subtly during the conversation.
He subtly suggested that they leave the party early.
She managed to subtly include her own ideas in the project.
The design of the building subtly incorporated elements of nature.
He subtly changed the topic to avoid conflict.
The lights in the room dimmed subtly.
The writer subtly introduced the main conflict in the story.
The flavor of the spice was subtly infused throughout the dish.
The perfume had a subtly invigorating scent.
The music in the background added a subtly eerie atmosphere.
He subtly checked his watch, indicating it was time to leave.
The teacher subtly encouraged the students to think critically.
Her dress subtly hinted at her unique style.
The painter's use of light was subtly effective.
The fabric's pattern changed subtly in different lights.
He subtly steered the conversation away from sensitive topics.
The artist's message was subtly conveyed through abstract forms.
The movie subtly references various historical events.
Her makeup was done so subtly that it looked natural.
Subtly Idioms & Phrases
Subtly remind
To remind in a manner that is not direct or obvious.
He found ways to subtly remind her of their anniversary without giving away the surprise.
Subtly different
Slightly or not obviously different.
The two paintings are subtly different, with variations in color that are hard to notice at first glance.
Subtly influence
To have a slight but definite influence.
Advertisements subtly influence our choices without us even realizing it.
Subtly suggest
To suggest something in an indirect way.
She subtly suggested that they might want to leave before it got too late.
Subtly hint
To give a hint about something in a very indirect way.
He subtly hinted that he wanted the book for his birthday.
Subtly woven
Integrated or included in a way that is not easily noticeable.
The themes of the story are subtly woven into the dialogue.
Subtly enhance
To improve something in a way that is not immediately apparent.
The chef subtly enhanced the flavor of the dish with a pinch of salt.
Subtly contrast
To show differences in a subtle way.
The two characters subtly contrast each other, highlighting their individual traits.
Subtly express
To express something in a nuanced or understated way.
She subtly expressed her dissatisfaction through her tone of voice.
Subtly resonate
To evoke or elicit a response in a subtle way.
The poem subtly resonates with themes of loss and recovery.
Subtly insinuate
To imply something in an indirect way.
She subtly insinuated that there was more to the story than what was being told.
Subtly reflect
To mirror or show something in a subtle or indirect way.
The novel subtly reflects the author's personal experiences.
Subtly shift
To change or adjust in a slight way.
The company subtly shifted its marketing strategy to appeal to a younger audience.
Subtly integrate
To combine or incorporate gently or not obviously.
The new policy was subtly integrated into the existing procedures.
Subtly permeate
To spread throughout something gently and not obviously.
A sense of unease subtly permeates the narrative.
Subtly alter
To make small changes that are not immediately noticeable.
The editor subtly altered the manuscript to improve its flow.
Subtly reinforce
To strengthen or support something in a subtle way.
The teacher subtly reinforced the lesson through practical examples.
Subtly convey
To communicate something in an indirect or subtle manner.
The artist subtly conveys a message of hope in his work.
Subtly blend
To mix or combine in a way that is seamless or not easily distinguished.
The designer subtly blended modern and traditional elements in the room.
Subtly emphasize
To highlight or stress something gently or indirectly.
The report subtly emphasizes the need for immediate action.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Subtly?
The verb form is "subtle."
What is the root word of Subtly?
The root word is "subtle."
Which vowel is used before Subtly?
The vowel "u" is used before the consonant blend "btl" in "subtly."
Why is it called Subtly?
It is called "subtly" because it describes the manner in which something is done with subtleness or without obviousness.
What is the plural form of Subtly?
"Subtly" does not have a plural form.
What is the singular form of Subtly?
"Subtly" does not have a singular or plural form as it is an adverb.
Which conjunction is used with Subtly?
Any conjunction can be used before or after "subtly" based on the sentence structure.
Is Subtly an abstract noun?
No, it is not an abstract noun.
What is the pronunciation of Subtly?
It is pronounced as /ˈsʌt.li/.
Is Subtly an adverb?
Yes, "subtly" is an adverb.
Which preposition is used with Subtly?
Prepositions aren't specifically tied to adverbs, but one might say something is done "with subtly."
Which article is used with Subtly?
Articles are not typically used with adverbs.
Is Subtly a vowel or consonant?
"Subtly" is a word made up of both vowels and consonants.
Is the word Subtly is Gerund?
No, "subtly" is not a gerund.
What part of speech is Subtly?
"Subtly" is an adverb.
What is the opposite of Subtly?
The opposite could be "blatantly" or "obviously."
Which determiner is used with Subtly?
Determiners aren't typically used with adverbs.
How do we divide Subtly into syllables?
It can be divided as sub-tly.
What is the first form of Subtly?
The base form of the related adjective is "subtle."
Is Subtly a noun or adjective?
"Subtly" is neither a noun nor an adjective.
Is the word Subtly is imperative?
No, "subtly" is not imperative.
Is Subtly a negative or positive word?
It is neutral; it depends on the context in which it is used.
Is Subtly a collective noun?
No, "subtly" is not a collective noun.
Is the Subtly term a metaphor?
No, "subtly" is not a metaphor.
Is the word “Subtly” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Subtly" is neither; it's an adverb that describes a verb.
How many syllables are in Subtly?
There are two syllables in "subtly."
What is a stressed syllable in Subtly?
The first syllable "sub" is stressed.
What is another term for Subtly?
Another term might be "delicately."
Is Subtly a countable noun?
"Subtly" is not a noun, so it isn't countable.
How is Subtly used in a sentence?
She subtly hinted that she wanted to leave the party.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
