What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subtleness
Example
The subtleness of the painting's colors was only noticeable upon closer inspection. [subtleness: noun]
Example
She spoke with subtleness and tact, carefully choosing her words. [subtleness: noun]
elusiveness
Example
The meaning of the poem remained elusive, despite multiple readings. [elusiveness: noun]
Example
The butterfly's elusiveness made it hard to capture on camera. [elusiveness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subtleness is more commonly used than elusiveness in everyday language. Subtleness is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while elusiveness is more specific and often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subtleness and elusiveness?
Both subtleness and elusiveness are formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, subtleness can be used in a wider range of formality levels than elusiveness, which is more commonly used in academic or technical writing.
