subtilis
The Latin word for "refined" is subtilis.
subtilis is used to describe something that is cultured or elegant. It can also describe things that are fine, thin or subtle.
Meaning: cultured, elegant (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, subtilis refers to something that is fine, thin or finely woven.
Which one should you use?
While subtilis can mean 'refined' in a social or intellectual sense, it is also used to describe physical properties like 'fine' or 'thin' (e.g., a fine thread).
How does it change in a sentence?
subtilis is a third-declension adjective, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine subjects.
Did you know?
- The adjective subtilis is built from the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'tēla' meaning 'web'.
- While subtilis means 'refined', its opposite in a physical sense is often crassus, which gave English the word 'crass' to describe a lack of refinement.
- The word subtilis was frequently used by Roman rhetoricians to describe a 'refined' style of speaking that avoided obvious or blunt statements.
Example conversation
Julia and Gaius are discussing a guest at a dinner party.
- JuliaVidistine novum hospitem, Gai?Did you see the new guest, Gaius?
- GaiusIta, videtur esse vir subtilis.Yes, he seems to be a refined man.
- JuliaEt modo loquendi eius delectat.And his way of speaking is delightful.
- GaiusRe vera, est optimus.Indeed, he is excellent.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries subtilis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
