subtilize Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words
  2. verb make more subtle or refined
    rarefy; sublimate.
  3. verb make (senses) more keen
    subtilise.

WordNet

Sub"til*ize transitive verb
Etymology
L. subtiliser.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Subtilized ; present participle & verbal noun Subtilizing
Definitions
  1. To make thin or fine; to make less gross or coarse.
  2. To refine; to spin into niceties; as, to subtilize arguments.
    Nor as yet have we subtilized ourselves into savages. Burke.
Sub"til*ize intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To refine in argument; to make very nice distinctions. Milner.

Webster 1913