SUBTILIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does subtilize mean? 

• SUBTILIZE (verb)
  The verb SUBTILIZE has 3 senses:

1. mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words

2. make more subtle or refined

3. make (senses) more keen

  Familiarity information: SUBTILIZE used as a verb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SUBTILIZE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they subtilize    ... he / she / it subtilizes   
Past simple: subtilized   
Past participle: subtilized   
-ing form: subtilizing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words

Classified under:

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting

Hypernyms (to "subtilize" is one way to...):

discriminate; know apart (recognize or perceive the difference)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 2

Meaning:

Make more subtle or refined

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

rarefy; sublimate; subtilize

Hypernyms (to "subtilize" is one way to...):

alter; change; modify (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 3

Meaning:

Make (senses) more keen

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

subtilise; subtilize

Hypernyms (to "subtilize" is one way to...):

heighten; sharpen (make (one's senses) more acute)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something