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Penetration vs Subtlety - What's the difference?

penetration | subtlety | Related terms |

As nouns the difference between penetration and subtlety

is that penetration is the act of penetrating something while subtlety is the quality or fact of being subtle.

penetration

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • The act of penetrating something.
  • Any penetration , however slight, is sufficient to complete the offense.
  • Specifically, the insertion of the penis (or similar object) during sexual intercourse.
  • The act of penetrating a given situation with the mind or faculties; perception, discernment.
  • * 1817 , (Walter Scott), Rob Roy , XVI:
  • my observations of her looks and actions became acutely sharpened, and that to a degree which, notwithstanding my efforts to conceal it, could not escape her penetration .
  • A number or fraction that represents how many cards/decks will be dealt before shuffling, in contrast to the total number of cards/decks in play.
  • Derived terms

    * double penetration * interpenetration

    subtlety

    Noun

  • (uncountable) The quality or fact of being subtle.
  • With all his usual subtlety , he quietly fixed the problem before anyone else noticed it.
  • (countable) An instance of being subtle, a subtle thing, especially a subtle argument or distinction.
  • The subtleties of this overture are often overlooked.
  • (countable) An ornate medieval illusion dish or table decoration, especially when made from one thing but crafted to look like another.
  • At the king's coronation feast, several subtleties were served between main courses.