We explain what something subtle is, its various meanings and the origin of the term. Also, the characteristics of a subtle person.
What is something subtle?
When we say that something or someone is subtle, or that they act with subtlety, we are referring to the fact that is careful, slight, delicate, or even difficult to perceivethat is, the complete opposite of clumsiness, obviousness, crudeness or violence.
These words come from the Latin term subtilistranslatable as “fine”, “delicate” or even, figuratively, “ingenious”. This word is formed by the prefix sub-which survives to this day and means “below,” and the noun fabricso subtle originally referred to the thinnest thread of the fabric, which goes below the warp and is therefore hidden behind the others.
Thus, the word subtle was used not only for that which is fragile, careful and light (“a subtle caress” or “the subtle light of the afternoon”), but also and figuratively for that which acts with precision and discretionthat is, without it being noticed right away (“a subtle ambush” or “a subtle accusation”).
It must be explained that the subtlety It is traditionally considered something positiveclose to discretion and grace, and therefore associated with exquisiteness, quality and good workmanship. For this reason, the terms: delicacy, finesse, care, lightness, ingenuity and acuity are synonymous with subtlety.
What is a subtle person like?
When we say that a person is subtle or acts in a subtle way, we mean that act and give opinions carefully, almost imperceptibly. That goes for the things he does and also for the things he says. Thus, we can say that a person is subtle, for example, if instead of accusing, he insinuates; Instead of getting to the point, speak delicately; and if instead of confronting, weave strategies.
Someone's subtlety can be seen very clearly when it comes to delivering bad news: there will be those who prefer frontality, and even crudeness, while a subtle person will go little by little and as carefully as possible. This is often interpreted as sign of sharpness, consideration or even intelligencesince a subtle person is usually aware of the damage that a bad comment can cause.
However, this is not synonymous with goodness, far from it. Very bad things can also be done with subtlety. A person can deceive or manipulate another with subtle, delicate, almost innocent comments; can plan a strategy against another in a subtle, that is, calculated, ingenious and imperceptible way; By this we only mean the way in which it would be done.
In short, a subtle person is one who does not act with brutality, crudeness or frontality, but with caution and delicacy, which can perfectly be a sign of his or her sharpness and ingenuity.
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References
- “Subtle” in the Dictionary of the language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Subtlety” in the Dictionary of the language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Etymology of Sutil” in Etymologies of Chile.net.
- “In Praise of Subtlety” by Antonio Heredia Bayona in Diario de Sevilla (Spain).
