Verb: subtilize 'sú-tu,lIz
- Mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words
"The linguist subtilized the differences between synonyms";
- subtilise [Brit]
- Make more subtle or refined
"The philosopher subtilized the concept to its essence";
- rarefy, sublimate, rarify [rare], subtilise [Brit]
- Make (senses) more keen
"Years of practice subtilized the chef's sense of taste";
- subtilise [Brit]
Derived forms: subtilized, subtilizes, subtilizing
Type of: alter, change, discriminate, heighten, know apart, modify, sharpen