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subtilize

 - 2 dictionary results

sub⋅til⋅ize

  [suht-l-ahyz, suhb-tuh-lahyz] verb, -ized, -iz⋅ing.
Use subtilize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to elevate in character; sublimate.
2. to make (the mind, senses, etc.) keen or discerning; sharpen.
3. to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.
4. to make thin, rare, or more fluid or volatile; refine.
–verb (used without object)
5. to make subtle distinctions or to argue subtly.
Also, especially British, sub⋅til⋅ise.

Origin:
1585–95; < ML subtīlizāre, equiv. to subtīl(is) subtle + -izāre -ize

Related forms:
sub⋅til⋅i⋅za⋅tion, noun
sub⋅til⋅iz⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To subtilize
sub·til·ize   (sŭt'l-īz', sŭb'tə-līz')   
v.   sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing, sub·til·iz·es

v.   tr.
To render subtle: "I need to tell stories. I find new friends, new listeners, subtilize my lies" (Helen Yglesias).
v.   intr.
To argue or discuss with subtlety; make fine distinctions.
sub'til·i·za'tion (-ĭ-zā'shən) n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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