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Subtlety vs Refinement - What's the difference?

subtlety | refinement |

As nouns the difference between subtlety and refinement

is that subtlety is (uncountable) the quality or fact of being subtle while refinement is the act, or the result of refining; the removal of impurities, or a purified material.

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.

    refinement

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act, or the result of refining; the removal of impurities, or a purified material
  • High-class style; cultivation.
  • A fine or subtle distinction.