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SCMP Reporter

Do you know the difference between 'subtle' and 'subtlety'?

subtle (adj) - not obvious; delicate and complex

If you are subtle, you don't do the obvious but takes a more discreet route. Something that is subtle is not easy to notice unless you pay careful attention.

subtlety (n) - the quality or state of being subtle

The subtlety of something is its not-so-obvious details and complexities.

If someone does something with subtlety, they are making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something.

Cheung Ping-ling, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Journalists' Association, said the central government's attacks on the press were widespread but generally more subtle than outright violence. She said it was common for Hong Kong journalists on assignment on the mainland to be detained for several hours and then released.

From an article by Robin Kwong, published in the Post on January 11, 2006

According to Mr Tam, it is more challenging for men to take on female roles in Chinese opera because of the nature of the singing and physical movements involved. Men playing female roles must sing in a falsetto voice. Some opera enthusiasts claim that this can be even more subtle and agreeable to the ear than the singing of a female actress.

From an article by Jessica Caplan, published in the Post on December 5, 2005

With or without an adequate warning system, visitors have returned by the plane-load to Phuket to bask in the sunshine, to shop, to wine and dine, and to have fun. But a subtle division exists between those who cannot forget and those who do not wish to remember.

From an article by Alan Morison, published in the Post on December 22, 2005

Jonathan Spence, Sterling professor of history at Yale University and president of the American Historical Association in 2004-2005, wrote in a review in The New York Review of Books: 'By seeking to demonstrate that Mao started out as a vile person and stayed vile throughout his life, the authors deny any room for change, whether growth or degeneration, for subtlety or the possibilities of redemption.'

From an article by Nora Tong, published in the Post on December 10, 2005

In some cases, there are distinct similarities between eastern and western countries. Mr Jenkins points to the common use of indirectness and subtlety in both Britain and Japan. In Britain, if a proposal is made and the person says that it is 'interesting,' it means, in fact, that the proposal is not interesting. It is an avoidance word, a way to delay rejection.

From an article by Debra Martin, published in the Post on November 26, 2005

The democrats may cry foul. But Mr Tsang, as a skilful communicator, has shown that subtlety is required in pressing Hong Kong's case to a paternalistic central government. The democrats need to polish their message, so that their vociferous demands for democracy will not give anyone an excuse to portray them as trying to use popular elections to counter communism.

From an article by C. K. Lau, published in the Post on November 5, 2005

Fill in the blanks with the correct word: subtle or subtlety

1. The __________ of a language can be lost in translation.

2. Linda is trying to influence her superiors in a _________ way.

3. After the argument, his whole attitude had undergone a _________ change.

4. In cooking, remember that ____________ is everything.

5. There is a _________ difference between the words 'freedom' and 'liberty'.

6. They showed a lack of _____________ in the way they handled conflicts.

Answer: 1. subtlety 2. subtle 3. subtle 4. subtlety 5. subtle 6. subtlety



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