non-gradable vs subtle

non-gradable

adj
  • (of an adjective) Describing a quality that cannot normally be varied because it is extreme (e.g. freezing), absolute (e.g. dead), or classification (e.g. nuclear). 

  • That cannot be graded. 

noun
  • Any adjective that is not gradable. 

subtle

adj
  • Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency. 

  • Barely noticeable, not obvious, indistinct. 

  • Cleverly contrived. 

  • Cunning, skillful. 

  • Insidious. 

  • Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood. 

How often have the words non-gradable and subtle occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )