Implicit vs Subtle - What's the difference?
implicit | subtle |
Implied indirectly, without being directly expressed
* 1983 , (Ronald Reagan),
Contained in the essential nature of something but not openly shown
Having no reservations or doubts; unquestioning or unconditional; usually said of faith or trust.
* 1765 , Anonymous,
(obsolete) entangled, twisted together.
* Alexander Pope
Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.
(of a thing) Cleverly contrived.
(of a person or animal) Cunning, skillful.
insidious
* 1623 , , act iv, scene 4,
Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency.
As adjectives the difference between implicit and subtle
is that implicit is implied indirectly, without being directly expressed while subtle is hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.implicit
English
Adjective
(-)- The Bible and its teachings helped form the basis for the Founding Fathers' abiding belief in the inalienable rights of the individual, rights which they found implicit in the Bible's teachings of the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.
- He is not only a zealous advocate for pusilanimous and passive obedience, but for the most implicit faith in the dictatorial mandates of power.
- In his woolly fleece I cling implicit .
Synonyms
* (implied indirectly) implied, unspoken * (contained in the essential nature) inherent, intrinsic * (having no reservations) unconditional, unquestioningAntonyms
* explicitDerived terms
* implicitly * implicitnessExternal links
* *subtle
English
Alternative forms
* subtil (obsolete) * subtile (obsolete)Adjective
(er)- The difference is subtle , but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
- Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle , bloody, treacherous.