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adjective · C1 · often · UK/US

subtle

subtle

Meaning of subtle

restrained

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C1often

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Pronunciation
British English/ˈsʌtəl/
American English/ˈsʌtəl/
Russian transcription[sdʲerˈʐannɨj]
subtle
subtle - сдержанный
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subtle with Russian translation

subtle usage examples

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

Она выбрала сдержанный узор, который заметен только при близком рассмотрении.

She chose a subtle pattern that only shows up close.

🇷🇺Russian🇬🇧English

Она предпочитает сдержанное ожерелье вместо больших броских украшений.

She prefers a subtle necklace rather than big, flashy jewellery.

Learn by topic

subtle belongs to the topic "Style and Taste". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

subtleсдержанный
shirtрубашка
skirtюбка
pantsбрюки
trousersбрюки
jeansджинсы
shortsшорты

subtle synonyms

Related word breakdowns

What's the difference between subtle / understated / refined / discreet / elegant / muted

🇬🇧English
subtle

The primary word: implies delicacy, fine distinction or understatement.

C1Very Often

Her argument was subtle and persuasive rather than loud.

Её довод был сдержанным и убедительным, а не громким.

🇬🇧English

Emphasises deliberate simplicity or lack of showiness, often for aesthetic effect.

C1Often

She wore an understated dress that still looked elegant.

Она была в сдержанном платье, которое всё равно выглядело элегантно.

🇬🇧English

Implies polished taste, elegance and cultural polish; often positive aesthetic connotation.

C1Often

The restaurant offers refined flavours and attentive service.

В ресторане утончённые вкусы и внимательное обслуживание.

D
🇬🇧English
discreet

Emphasises tact, privacy and avoiding attention; behaviourally cautious.

B2Often

Be discreet about the surprise party details.

Будь сдержан в деталях сюрприз-вечеринки.

🇬🇧English

Highlights gracefulness, tasteful simplicity and aesthetic beauty.

C1Often

She chose an elegant solution to the problem.

Она выбрала элегантное решение проблемы.

🇬🇧English

Often used for colours or sounds meaning toned-down, subdued rather than bright or loud.

B2Often

The room is painted in muted shades of green.

Комната окрашена в приглушённые оттенки зелёного.

🇬🇧English

Usually describes people who are introverted or slow to show feelings; less about style.

B2Often

He is a reserved colleague who speaks only when necessary.

Он сдержанный коллега, который говорит только по необходимости.

🇬🇧English

Emphasises humility or lack of boastfulness; can also mean moderate in size/level.

B2Very Often

She was modest about her achievements.

Она была скромна в своих достижениях.

N
🇬🇧English
nuanced

Focuses on subtle distinctions or complexity of meaning rather than restraint.

C1Often

Her view was nuanced, recognising both risks and benefits.

Её взгляд был тонким и нюансированным, признавая и риски, и преимущества.

🇬🇧English

Conveys worldly polish, complexity or advanced development; broader than simple restraint.

C1Very Often

The app has a sophisticated algorithm behind a simple interface.

За простым интерфейсом приложения скрывается сложный алгоритм.

M
🇬🇧English
minimalist

Refers to a style that uses very few elements; can be deliberate simplicity rather than mere restraint.

B2Often

They prefer a minimalist interior with clean lines and little clutter.

Они предпочитают минималистичный интерьер с чистыми линиями и минимумом вещей.

What's the difference

Related words and lists for subtle

How to pronounce subtle and what this word means

subtle translation: сдержанный. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.

how to pronounce subtle

/ˈsʌtəl/

subtle translation

сдержанный

subtle examples

She chose a subtle pattern that only shows up close.

subtle transcription

/ˈsʌtəl/, /ˈsʌtəl/

How this dictionary entry is reviewed

ZapomniEnglish prepares dictionary data automatically, then the editorial workflow checks high-frequency words, top lists, and pages that already receive search impressions first.

Translation and meaningPronunciation and transcriptionExamples, synonyms, and topics

Questions about this word

subtle meaning: what does it mean?

restrained

subtle pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

subtle is pronounced as /ˈsʌtəl/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

subtle definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

She chose a subtle pattern that only shows up close. Translation: Она выбрала сдержанный узор, который заметен только при близком рассмотрении.

Is subtle part of Style and Taste vocabulary?

Yes, subtle (сдержанный) can be learned in the Style and Taste topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Is subtle part of Clothing and Fashion vocabulary?

Yes, subtle (сдержанный) can be learned in the Clothing and Fashion topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

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