Search Result for "subtlety": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (2)

1. a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude;
- Example: "without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor"
- Example: "don't argue about shades of meaning"
[syn: nuance, nicety, shade, subtlety, refinement]

2. the quality of being difficult to detect or analyze;
- Example: "you had to admire the subtlety of the distinctions he drew"
[syn: subtlety, niceness]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Subtlety \Sub"tle*ty\, n.; pl. Subtleties. [OE. sotelte,
   sutilte, OF. sotillete, L. subtilitas. See Subtle, and cf.
   Subtility.]
   1. The quality or state of being subtle, or sly; cunning;
      craftiness; artfulness.
      [1913 Webster]

            The fox which lives by subtlety.      --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Nice discernment with delicacy of mental action; nicety of
      discrimination.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Something that is sly, crafty, or delusive.
      [1913 Webster]

            Unlearned in the world's false subtleties. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

subtlety
    n 1: a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude;
         "without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy
         the humor"; "don't argue about shades of meaning" [syn:
         nuance, nicety, shade, subtlety, refinement]
    2: the quality of being difficult to detect or analyze; "you had
       to admire the subtlety of the distinctions he drew" [syn:
       subtlety, niceness]