THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
intimate
verb
To make something known indirectly or discreetly.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
A USEFUL DISTINCTION
Usage note
This is the verb meaning to hint or make known discreetly, distinct from the adjective meaning close or private.
SEE IT IN USE
Examples in context
The director would only intimate that another proposal was being considered.
In a second scene, a traveler said the cafe had become much quieter since the manager's brother left, giving the remark an overtone of relief. Jo intended the line to intimate a family disagreement without explaining its entire history.
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Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
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What the Short Story Leaves UnsaidReading 2 / Open lessonAPPLY IT AND RETURN
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This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Adapted from supplied vocabulary notes. Example written for WordCraft.
Source study sections: 13.
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