Pronunciation: [sˈʌtə͡lti] (IPA) 
The word "subtlety" is spelled with a double T and an E before the Y. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be spelled /ˈsʌt(ə)lti/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short U sound /ʌ/. The second syllable has a schwa sound /ə/ and the letter L is silent, making it sound like "t". The last syllable has a long E sound /i/. The spelling of "subtlety" reflects its Latin origin from the word "subtilitas".
Subtlety is a noun that refers to the quality or characteristic of being subtle. It is defined as a delicacy or fineness in appearance, meaning, or understanding. It is the ability to express ideas, emotions, or qualities in a clever, indirect, or understated manner. Subtlety involves the art of conveying something in a manner that is not immediately apparent but can be discerned or understood upon deeper observation or reflection.
The concept of subtlety is often associated with nuances, intricacies, or hidden meanings that require a certain level of insight or perception to fully grasp. It involves the skillful ability to communicate or detect subtler aspects, avoiding overt or obvious methods. Subtlety demands a certain level of sophistication, finesse, or artistry in its execution, whether it is in verbal, written, or artistic form.
In literature, paintings, or films, subtlety can be seen in the use of symbolism, metaphors, or subtext to convey deeper layers of meaning beyond the surface narrative. It can also refer to the skill of an actor or performer who expresses complex emotions or ideas through subtle gestures, facial expressions, or intonations.
In interpersonal communication, subtlety can be observed in the ability to convey thoughts, feelings, or intentions indirectly or with tact, avoiding bluntness or imposition. It involves subtly influencing others or influencing situations without drawing attention to one's actions.
Overall, subtlety is associated with the quality of being understated, artful, or refined in expression, perception, or behavior.
Artfulness; slyness; cunning. Note.-The spellings subtile and subtle, in the senses of the preceding two entries, were indifferently employed by good writers of former times. The modern practice is to restrict the senses to the spellings as in the text. In the Eng. Ch. service, and formerly in the works of good authors, where the spellings subtile, subtilty, &c., occur in the derived senses of "sly, cunning, over-refining," &c., the pronunciation is.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "subtlety" has its roots in the Latin word "subtilitas", which means "fineness" or "delicacy". It derives from the Latin adjective "subtilis", meaning "fine" or "thin". In turn, "subtilis" originated from the combination of the prefix "sub-" (meaning "under" or "slightly") and the root "tela" (meaning "web" or "fabric"). This early sense of "subtilis" referred to the fine threads or delicate craftsmanship found in fabric or weaving. Over time, the term "subtilitas" developed a broader meaning, encompassing concepts like precision, cunning, or subtlety of thought. This evolution led to the modern English word "subtlety", which generally represents something refined, intricate, or nuanced.
