subtilize

English

Alternative forms

• subtilise

Etymology

French subtiliser; equivalent to subtle +‎ -ize

Verb

subtilize (third-person singular simple present subtilizes, present participle subtilizing, simple past and past participle subtilized)

1. (transitive) To make subtle; to make thin or fine; to make less gross or coarse.
2. (transitive) To refine; to spin into niceties.

   to subtilize arguments

   • 1790 November, Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France, and on the Proceedings in Certain Societies in London Relative to that Event. […], London: […] J[ames] Dodsley, […], →OCLC:

     Nor as yet have we subtilized ourselves into savages.

3. (intransitive) To use subtle arguments or distinctions.