Hintingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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hintingly

 

[ ˈhɪntɪŋli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

implying behavior

Hintingly means in a way that suggests something without stating it directly. It is often used to describe a manner of communication that relies on subtlety and allusion rather than explicitness.

Synonyms

allusively, implicitly, suggestively.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke hintingly about her plans for the weekend.
  • He hintingly suggested that he might be moving away soon.
  • The author wrote hintingly about the protagonist's true feelings.
  • His tone was hintingly sarcastic.
  • She nodded hintingly, encouraging him to continue.

Etymology

The word 'hintingly' derives from the base term 'hint,' which originates from the Middle English word 'hinten,' meaning to give a hint or suggestion. The term 'hint' first emerged in the 14th century and was related to the concept of a slight indication or a clue. As language evolved, the adverbial form 'hintingly' was formed by adding the '-ly' suffix to 'hint,' which is a common practice in English to turn adjectives into adverbs, thereby indicating the manner in which an action is performed. 'Hintingly' suggests a subtle form of communication that often requires interpretation, reflecting a culturally ingrained appreciation for nuance in social interactions.