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subtle worry

[ˈsʌtəl ˈwɜri]
noun phrasepl: subtle worries
preocupação sutil
1. A mild, understated, or not immediately obvious concern or anxiety about something
She felt a subtle worry about the upcoming presentation, though she tried to hide it.
Ela sentiu uma preocupação sutil sobre a apresentação futura, embora tentasse escondê-la.
2. A persistent but barely noticeable sense of unease or apprehension
There was a subtle worry in his mind that something wasn't quite right.
Havia uma preocupação sutil em sua mente de que algo não estava certo.
Synonyms
nagging concernlingering doubtvague uneasinessquiet anxietyunderstated apprehension
Antonyms
obvious concernblatant worryovert anxietyclear certaintycomplete assurance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
preocupação sutil
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
preocupação discreta
Alternative with emphasis on discretion
São Paulo
incômodo silencioso
More colloquial variant
Portugal
preocupação velada
Emphasis on concealed nature of worry

Related Idioms & Phrases

a nagging feeling
something at the back of one's mind
a lingering doubt
a quiet concern
under the radar anxiety
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