How to Pronounce Subtle

To pronounce "subtle", say SUT-ul — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈsətəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

subtle

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈsətəɫ/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/sˈʌtəl/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “subtle”

Break "subtle" into 2 beats and lean on "SUBTL" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with scuttle and guttle, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: suttle — easy to mix up when writing.

What does subtle mean?

adjective

  1. Senses relating to tangible things. Of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable; not obvious; inconspicuous, unintrusive. Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined. Slender, thin. Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small. Of weight: after the tare (“weight of an empty container”) has been subtracted; net.
  2. Of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable; not obvious; inconspicuous, unintrusive.

noun

  1. People or things that are subtle (adjective sense) as a class.

verb

  1. To make (something) subtle (“giving only a slight impression; also, skilfully restrained or understated”).
  2. To burn (someone or something) to ash.

Hear “subtle” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with subtle

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

scuttleguttlerebuttalvictualshuttlecuttlewittolunsubtlequittalruttleshittletrityl

Related words

elusiveinsidiousperniciousdelicateimpalpableperceptiveharmfulhidden

Keep practicing

Related pages on PronounceIt, chosen from what we know about this word.

Train the contrast: cat vs cut, light vs right

Sounds worth drilling for a word spelled like this:

/l/ — l/ʌ/ — short u/b/ — b

Subtle appears in Words With a Silent B — others from that list:

debtdoubt

Read next: Silent Letters in English: The Complete Pattern Guide

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "subtle"?▾

To pronounce "subtle", say SUT-ul — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈsətəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

How many syllables are in "subtle"?▾

"Subtle" has 2 syllables: subtl · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "subtle"?▾

The IPA transcription of "subtle" is /ˈsətəɫ/.

What does "subtle" mean?▾

Subtle: Senses relating to tangible things. Of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable; not obvious; inconspicuous, unintrusive. Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined. Slender, thin. Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small. Of weight: after the tare (“weight of an empty container”) has been subtracted; net.

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