Adjective

(en adjective)

Obvious or easy to notice.

* {{quote-book, year=1928, author=Lawrence R. Bourne

, title=Well Tackled! , chapter=7 citation , passage=“No, don't,” replied the superintendent; “in fact, I'd rather you made yourself conspicuous elsewhere. Go down to the landing stage and cross to New Brighton or Wallasey—doesn't matter which—and come back. No doubt you will be seen, and reported to have gone across.”}}

He was conspicuous by his absence.

Noticeable or attracting attention, especially if unattractive.

* 1969 , Saul Bellow, Mr Sammler's Planet , Penguin Books Ltd, page 6:

For his height he had a small face. The combination made him conspicuous .

He had a conspicuous lump on his forehead.

Adjective

(er)

Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.

The difference is subtle , but you can hear it if you listen carefully.

(of a thing) Cleverly contrived.

(of a person or animal) Cunning, skillful.

insidious

* 1623 , , act iv, scene 4,

Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle , bloody, treacherous.

Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency.