A.Word.A.Day--subtile

Wordsmith.org

The Magic of Words

Sep 9, 2010

This week's theme
Words related to spinning

This week's words
distaff
spinster
dizen
subtile

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A.Word.A.Day

with Anu Garg

subtile

PRONUNCIATION:

(SUT-l, SUB-tuhl)

MEANING:

adjective: Subtle: delicate; fine; not obvious; skillful.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin subtilis (finely woven), from sub- (under) + from tela (cloth on a loom). Ultimately from the Indo-European root teks- (to weave) that is also the source of text, tissue, tectonic, architect, technology.

USAGE:

"The fragrance is quite subtile."
Body scrubs; Coventry Evening Telegraph (UK); Nov 13, 2008.

"Sounds are too volatile and subtile for legal restraints; to enchain syllables, and to lash the wind, are equally the undertakings of pride."
Samuel Johnson; Preface to the English Dictionary; 1755.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Time engraves our faces with all the tears we have not shed. -Natalie Clifford Barney, Author (1876-1972)

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