Intimated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ถ
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intimated

[หˆษชntษชหŒmeษชtษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

communication

imply or hint

Synonyms

hint, imply, insinuate, suggest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intimated

This word serves the same function and context as 'intimated'.

  • Again, he intimated his desire to be left alone
suggest

Used broadly to offer an idea or propose something in a straightforward manner, suitable for various contexts.

  • Can you suggest a good place to eat?
imply

Commonly used to indicate something indirectly or suggest it without stating it openly, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

  • Her tone implied that she was not pleased
hint

Used in casual contexts to suggest something in a light or indirect way, often with a playful or gentle tone.

  • She gave him a hint about what she wanted for her birthday
insinuate

Typically used in situations where one suggests something in a sly or devious manner, carrying a negative connotation.

  • He insinuated that she had not worked hard enough

Examples of usage

  • She intimated that she was not happy with the decision.
  • He intimated his desire to leave the company.
Context #2 | Verb

personal relationships

make someone feel intimidated or uneasy

Synonyms

bully, frighten, intimidate, threaten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intimated

Used to suggest or hint something subtly without explicitly stating it. Often used in formal or written contexts.

  • She intimated that she might not be attending the meeting.
  • The teacher intimated that there would be a surprise test soon.
intimidate

To make someone feel scared or timid, often through threats or a dominating presence. Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The manager's aggressive behavior intimidated the new employees.
  • He was intimidated by the sheer size of the opponent.
threaten

To express an intention to harm or cause damage. This word typically carries a negative connotation.

  • The gang threatened the shopkeeper for protection money.
  • She threatened to leave him if he didn't change his behavior.
frighten

To cause someone to feel fear, generally used in everyday situations. It often suggests a temporary state of fear.

  • The loud noise frightened the children.
  • The horror movie was designed to frighten the audience.
bully

Typically involves a person who uses strength or influence to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. Often used in contexts involving school or workplace scenarios.

  • The older kids used to bully him during recess.
  • She was bullied at work because of her appearance.

Examples of usage

  • His aggressive tone intimated me.
  • The presence of the security guard intimated the protesters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication Studies

  • Non-verbal cues, such as body language or facial expressions, often accompany when someone intimates a message.
  • Research suggests that hinting can encourage deeper thinking and engagement, as the recipient must decipher the meaning.
  • In relationships, intimate communication fosters trust and understanding, often enhancing bonds.

Literature

  • Authors often use insinuation or intimacy to develop plot or character depth, making readers intuitively sense whatโ€™s not explicitly stated.
  • In classic literature, dialogue often employs intimated messages to convey irony or underlying tensions between characters.
  • The use of intimated themes is prevalent in genres such as mystery and psychological thrillers, where understanding is built layer by layer.

Psychology

  • Subtle hints can create ambiguity, leading to different interpretations or emotional reactions based on an individual's experiences.
  • Cognitive psychology examines how people process indirect messages and hints, revealing insights into perception and meaning-making.
  • Using hints strategically can improve emotional intelligence, allowing one to navigate social situations more adeptly.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often intimate feelings, leading to dramatic tension that keeps viewers on edge.
  • Music lyrics frequently imply emotions or stories without stating them outright, making the listener feel more connected to the message.
  • Popular dialogue in romance genres often features intimating language to evoke passion and unspoken desires between characters.

Origin of 'intimated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intimare,' meaning to make known or announce.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting the growing trend of emphasis on subtler forms of communication.
  • Related words include 'intimate,' which shares a sense of close familiarity or connection.

The word 'intimated' comes from the Latin word 'intimatus', which means 'made known'. It has been used in English since the 16th century. Over time, its meaning has evolved to include the ideas of implying or hinting at something, as well as making someone feel intimidated or uneasy.


See also: intimacy, intimately, intimates, intimating, intimation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,043, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.