subtilize verb. ['sʌtɪlʌɪz] Also subtilise. L16.
[French subtiliser or medieval Latin subtilizare, from Latin subtilis SUBTLE: see -IZE.]
1. verb trans. Make subtle; now esp., introduce subtleties or nice distinctions into; argue subtly on. L16.
b. verb trans. Exalt, elevate, refine. (Foll. by into.) M17.

2. verb intrans. Make subtle distinctions; argue or reason in a subtle manner. (Foll. by about, on, upon.) L16.

■ subtilism noun (rare) (a) subtle doctrine E19.

■ subtilizer noun (rare) a person who makes subtle distinctions or reasons subtly E17-M18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲