- in a way that is so fine or delicate as to be difficult to perceive: The vegetables tasted subtly of the grill, but each still held its own unique flavor.
- in a way that shows or requires mental penetration or discernment: In the press, comment and analysis must be subtly distinguished from news.
- in a way that shows highly refined skill; cleverly or ingeniously: He has developed his own style of playing the whistle and subtly incorporates features that evoke other traditional instruments.
- in a wily or cunning way; craftily: Under the guise of journalistic objectivity, news programs subtly play on our emotions—chiefly on our fears.
