subtilize

[ suht-l-ahyz, suhb-tuh-lahyz ]
/ ˈsʌt lˌaɪz, ˈsʌb təˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing.

to elevate in character; sublimate.
to make (the mind, senses, etc.) keen or discerning; sharpen.
to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.
to make thin, rare, or more fluid or volatile; refine.

verb (used without object), sub·til·ized, sub·til·iz·ing.

to make subtle distinctions or to argue subtly.
Also especially British, sub·til·ise.

Origin of subtilize

1585–95; < Medieval Latin subtīlizāre, equivalent to subtīl(is) subtle + -izāre -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM subtilize

sub·til·i·za·tion, noun sub·til·iz·er, noun su·per·sub·til·ized, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for subtilize

British Dictionary definitions for subtilize

subtilize

subtilise

/ (ˈsʌtɪˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to bring to a purer state; refine
to debate subtly
(tr) to make (the mind, etc) keener

Derived forms of subtilize

subtilization or subtilisation, noun subtilizer or subtiliser, noun