1. Word finder
  2. Word definitions
  3. subtilize

Find the word definition

What is "subtilize"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Subtilize

Subtilize \Sub"til*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subtilized; p. pr. & vb. n. Subtilizing.] [L. subtiliser.]

  1. To make thin or fine; to make less gross or coarse.

  2. To refine; to spin into niceties; as, to subtilize arguments.

    Nor as yet have we subtilized ourselves into savages.
    --Burke.

Subtilize

Subtilize \Sub"til*ize\, v. i. To refine in argument; to make very nice distinctions.
--Milner.

Wiktionary
subtilize

vb. 1 (context transitive English) To make subtle; to make thin or fine; to make less gross or coarse. 2 (context transitive English) To refine; to spin into niceties. 3 (context intransitive English) To use subtle arguments or distinctions.

WordNet
subtilize

  1. v. mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words

  2. make more subtle or refined [syn: rarefy, sublimate]

  3. make (senses) more keen [syn: subtilise]

Usage examples of "subtilize".

All large families have two or three words peculiar to themselves -- words which they have made up and which convey subtilized, non-dictionary meanings.