What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subtle
Example
The painting had subtle shades of blue and green. [subtle: adjective]
Example
She used subtle hints to suggest her true feelings. [subtle: adjective]
faint
Example
I heard a faint sound in the distance. [faint: adjective]
Example
She felt faint after standing in the sun for too long. [faint: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subtle is more commonly used than faint in everyday language. Subtle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while faint is more specific and often used to describe physical sensations or emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subtle and faint?
Both subtle and faint can be used in formal and informal contexts, but subtle is often associated with a more sophisticated or nuanced tone, while faint can be more casual or colloquial.
