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subtil

subtle

adjective süb-TEEL Rare

Usage Note

Subtil has a pronounced final l in both the masculine subtil and the feminine subtile, as well as in the adverb subtilement. The noun is subtilité ('subtlety'). A common usage is une distinction subtile ('a subtle distinction') or un parfum subtil ('a delicate scent').

Examples

"Sa réponse était subtile mais efficace."

Natural Translation

Her answer was subtle but effective.

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