subtilize
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sub·til·ize
(sŭt′l-īz′, sŭb′tə-līz′)v. sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing, sub·til·iz·es
v.tr.
To render subtle: "I need to tell stories. I find new friends, new listeners, subtilize my lies" (Helen Yglesias).
v.intr.
To argue or discuss with subtlety; make fine distinctions.
sub′til·i·za′tion (-ĭ-zā′shən) n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
subtilize
(ˈsʌtɪˌlaɪz) orsubtilise
vb
1. (tr) to bring to a purer state; refine
2. to debate subtly
3. (tr) to make (the mind, etc) keener
ˌsubtiliˈzation, ˌsubtiliˈsation n
ˈsubtilˌizer, ˈsubtilˌiser n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
subtilize
Past participle: subtilized
Gerund: subtilizing
| Imperative |
|---|
| subtilize |
| subtilize |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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| Verb | 1. | subtilize - mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words discriminate, know apart - recognize or perceive the difference |
| 2. | subtilize - make more subtle or refined | |
| 3. | subtilize - make (senses) more keen |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.