He said he has long been fascinated by subtle differences in temperament between Irish and Americans.
Indeed, a signature could be more subtle — an expression of temperament.
The president has a choice between two very qualified, experienced central bankers for the job, with the differences between them more subtle variations in style and temperament than any vast chasm in monetary policy views.
Sitters' temperaments also confer more subtle advantages.
In a news conference at City Hall, Mr. Diaz repeatedly cited Mr. Thompson's "character," "résumé" and — in what was viewed as a subtle dig at Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker — "temperament".
It requires skills too subtle for most politicians — notably, the divining of individual temperaments, as opposed to the harvesting of vast public moods.
On this week's cover, Groopman reviews "Origins," Annie Murphy Paul's survey of the murky science of fetal origins, which examines whether exposure to stress and trauma in utero (not to mention spicy food) has subtle long-term consequences on the future child's health, temperament, dietary preferences and I.Q.
Performers can sometimes be classified by temperament; some play with passionate abandon, and others adopt a more subtle, intellectual approach.
Mr. Paterson's temperament and style, his friends and fellow officials say, is as mild and subtle as Mr. Spitzer's is not.
Mr. Paterson's temperament and style, his friends and fellow officials say, are as mild and subtle as Mr. Spitzer's are not.
Indeed, a signature could be more subtle an expression of temperament.
