The difference between Cunning and Subtle

When used as adjectives, cunning means sly, whereas subtle means hard to grasp.

Cunning is also noun with the meaning: practical knowledge or experience.

check bellow for the other definitions of Cunning and Subtle

  1. Cunning as an adjective:

    Sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour.

  2. Cunning as an adjective (obsolete):

    Skillful, artful.

  3. Cunning as an adjective (obsolete):

    Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious.

    Examples:

    "cunning work"

  4. Cunning as an adjective (US, colloquial, dated):

    Cute, appealing.

    Examples:

    "a cunning little boy"

    "rfquotek Bartlett"

  1. Cunning as a noun:

    Practical knowledge or experience; aptitude in performance; skill, proficiency; dexterity.

  2. Cunning as a noun:

    Practical skill employed in a secret or crafty manner; craft; artifice; skillful deceit; art or magic.

  3. Cunning as a noun:

    The disposition to employ one's skill in an artful manner; craftiness; guile; artifice; skill of being cunning, sly, conniving, or deceitful.

  4. Cunning as a noun:

    The natural wit or instincts of an animal.

    Examples:

    "the cunning of the fox or hare"

  5. Cunning as a noun (obsolete):

    Knowledge; learning; special knowledge (sometimes implying occult or magical knowledge).

  1. Subtle as an adjective:

    Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.

    Examples:

    "The difference is subtle, but you can hear it if you listen carefully."

  2. Subtle as an adjective (of a thing):

    Cleverly contrived.

  3. Subtle as an adjective (of a person or animal):

    Cunning, skillful.

  4. Subtle as an adjective:

    Insidious, deceptive, malicious.

  5. Subtle as an adjective:

    Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency.

  6. Subtle as an adjective (obsolete):

    Refined; exquisite.

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