51Թ

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subtilize

[ suht-l-ahyz, suhb-tuh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

subtilized, subtilizing.
  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)

subtilized, subtilizing.
  1. to make subtle distinctions or to argue subtly.

subtilize

/ ˈʌɪˌɪ /

verb

  1. tr to bring to a purer state; refine
  2. to debate subtly
  3. tr to make (the mind, etc) keener
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌܲپˈپDz, noun
  • ˈܲپˌ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • ܲt··tDz noun
  • ܲt·e noun
  • p·ܲt· adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of subtilize1

1585–95; < Medieval Latin ܲī, equivalent to ܲī ( is ) subtle + - -ize
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Hecht refined and subtilized the banter of the old screwball comedies into ironic japery, and Hitchcock directed with an unparalleled mastery of sexual tension.

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The spiritual comprehension may be infinitely subtilized, but the raw material it operates upon must remain.

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But the men's shoddy is merely a horror, whereas woman transfigures and subtilizes the cheap material.

From

The risk in subtilizing stage character lies just here.

From

Theosophy—and a large share of what is called theology—is simply a refining and subtilizing of mythology.

From

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