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I’ve seen many works in which the phrase “small but obvious” is used. I understand and acknowledge the fact that it is, essentially, perfectly fine to simply use these precise words; however, I was wondering if there was a single word which accurately sums up the meaning of the phrase. I could swear that I’ve heard a term like it before, but I cannot for the life of me remember what it was.

I’ve already done a quick search on Google, but the entire first page of engine results were—primarily—synonyms and definitions of both “obvious” and “non-obvious”, through six links to online thesauri and dictionaries, respectively.

The other four referred me to online books, via Google Books; Systema Porifera: A Guide to the Classification of Sponges, Mammals of South America, Volume 2: Rodents, Vascular Flora of the Southeastern United States: Asteraceae, and The Proterozoic Biosphere: A Multidisciplinary Study.

. . . I’ve decided that I’ll most likely be best off in the long run if I simply avoid the content suggestions on the next pages.

Anyway! Just in case a provided example would make answering this easier, then this is the context in which I’m going to use it:

His breathing quickened, a [small yet obvious] change that hadn’t gone unnoticed by his friend.

Any feedback is appreciated, and comments are always welcome! Thanks for the help, everyone!

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  • Can you use understated or distinctive? Mar 29, 2017 at 21:55
  • 1
    This is getting into the 'deceptively spacious' realms of realtors/estate agents. Mar 29, 2017 at 21:56
  • Frankly, I'm surprised that you see small but obvious (or small yet obvious) often. What's the context?
    – Drew
    Mar 29, 2017 at 21:59
  • What an odd comment. Where exactly have you seen this phrase: small but obvious?? I just think if you are writing, you have to find it yourself.
    – Lambie
    Mar 29, 2017 at 22:00
  • @Lambie: Yes, that's what I was trying to say too. (Which comment did you think was odd?)
    – Drew
    Mar 29, 2017 at 22:01

3 Answers 3

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I believe the word you're looking for is subtle. With a slight modification to the original sentence to account for the contradiction in meaning (i.e. that it was both a slight and noticeable change), the term will do just fine.

Definition (Google):

(especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe

Here's how I would rephrase your sentence:

His breathing quickened. Though it was a subtle change, it did not elude his observant friend.

Notice the addition of "though" compensates for the apparent contradiction that a keen reader would otherwise spot. Additionally, the characterization of his friend as one who is "observant" further clarifies your meaning.

I realize the term does not exactly fit your requisite, but to be fair, I don't think such a word exists (though I could be wrong).

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  • Thank you for your insight; it’s very appreciated. This wasn’t quite what I’d had in mind—I’d already considered using subtle, though I eventually decided against it because I wasn’t entirely sure how to rephrase the sentence—but your suggestion was incredibly helpful. I’m curious, though, as to whether this was something that you came across via internet or a book (and, if so, may you reference the medium in which you found this?), or if this was something that you rephrased using your own words?
    – Kit
    Mar 30, 2017 at 15:53
  • I rephrased it using my own words :) Glad you found it helpful
    – AleksandrH
    Mar 30, 2017 at 15:56
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Although its meaning is "small but valuable", perhaps 'modicum' would work.

See modicum at Oxford dictionary, defined as

A small quantity of a particular thing, especially something desirable or valuable

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  • 1
    Can you find a dictionary giving a definition where 'a modicum of a spot [on his knee]' is licensed for a small but obvious spot? Mar 29, 2017 at 21:59
  • No! But its all I've got.
    – AmI
    Mar 29, 2017 at 22:12
  • As tchrist has said, [On ELU] we are looking for more substantial answers with documented references, not merely [statements that may possibly be no more than] personal opinion. Those are just comments, not answers. // The problem is, people may see an 'answer' here and take it as authoritative. When it isn't. Mar 29, 2017 at 22:25
  • I am humbled -- I thought 'valuable' might replace 'obvious' in the given context, and "quantum" no longer seems suitable.
    – AmI
    Mar 29, 2017 at 22:31
  • More documented answers for a question like this? Harumph.
    – Lambie
    Mar 29, 2017 at 22:37
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Perhaps you are thinking of perceptible. From Oxford Dictionaries:

ADJECTIVE (especially of a slight movement or change of state) able to be seen or noticed.

I think the implication of a slight movement or change of state might match what you mean by "small" and able to be seen or noticed is fairly close to "obvious" The adverb barely is often included for even tinier movements. So for your example:

His breathing quickened, a (barely) perceptible change that hadn’t gone unnoticed by his friend.

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