Intimate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intimate

[ˈɪn.tɪ.mət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

relationship

closely acquainted; familiar, close

Synonyms

close, familiar, friendly, personal.

Examples of usage

  • They had an intimate conversation last night.
  • She shared her intimate thoughts with him.
  • The couple had an intimate dinner together.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotional

having a very close relationship with someone, involving detailed knowledge and sharing of personal thoughts and feelings

Synonyms

close, deep, emotional, personal.

Examples of usage

  • Their intimate bond allowed them to trust each other completely.
  • She was his most intimate confidante.
Context #3 | Noun

sexual

a very close friend or confidant

Synonyms

companion, confidant, partner.

Examples of usage

  • She considered him her intimate.
  • He trusted her as his intimate.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that intimate relationships can lead to higher levels of happiness and better mental health.
  • Intimacy requires vulnerability, which can strengthen bonds between people by fostering trust and understanding.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, intimacy is celebrated in stories and songs, highlighting the importance of close relationships in human experiences.
  • Intimate gatherings, like family dinners or small group meetings, are often valued as times for connection and sharing.

Literature

  • Many authors use intimate settings in their works to explore characters' inner feelings and relationships.
  • Intimacy in literature often reflects the complexities of human emotions, love, and friendship.

Social Dynamics

  • Intimacy can evolve over time, starting from acquaintances to close friendships, and sometimes into romantic relationships.
  • Different types of intimacy, such as emotional, physical, and intellectual, play vital roles in forming strong connections among people.

Origin of 'intimate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intimatus,' meaning 'to make known,' reflecting a deep familiarity.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, often in the context of close relationships or private conversations.

The word 'intimate' originated from the Latin word 'intimus', meaning 'innermost, deepest'. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to close relationships, personal connections, and detailed knowledge. The term has been used in literature, psychology, and everyday language to describe the deep emotional and personal connections between individuals.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,344, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.