Hint: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'hint' originated in the early 14th century, deriving from the Middle English term 'hinten', meaning to suggest indirectly.
• Historically, 'hint' was often used in the context of hunting, where it referred to a small signal given to show where to find something.

Psychology

• Hints are used in learning and memory as they can trigger recall of information that might otherwise be forgotten.
• Providing hints during problem-solving can reduce anxiety and help maintain motivation, especially in educational settings.

Game Design

• In game development, hints are commonly integrated to guide players through challenges, enhancing user experiences without revealing too much.
• Many mystery games use hints to keep players engaged, allowing them to piece together the story without giving everything away.

Literature

• Authors often use hints in narratives to foreshadow events, creating suspense and encouraging readers to pay attention to details.
• In detective stories, subtle hints often lead readers to deduce important clues before the main character does.

Pop Culture

• Television shows and movies frequently employ hints in plots, leaving breadcrumbs for viewers to solve mysteries along with the characters.
• Popular escape room games rely heavily on hints, challenging teams to solve puzzles by deciphering clues provided throughout the experience.

At #6,561 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 6561 hint
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