Intimately: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a deep or detailed understanding or a close personal relationship.

• She knows the city intimately as she has lived there for years.
• They talked intimately about their dreams and fears.

Used to express a strong or near relationship, attention to detail, or proximity.

• They worked closely to finish the project on time.
• The athlete was closely monitored by the coach.

Used to describe a manner that is friendly and informal, sometimes implying over-familiarity which can be slightly negative.

• He spoke familiarly with everyone in the room, making them feel at ease.
• She addressed the teacher familiarly, which some thought was disrespectful.

Used to express involvement or opinion from one's own perspective or directed towards an individual personally.

• I can't answer for the entire team, but personally, I think we can improve.
• She attended to each guest personally to ensure they felt welcome.

Best used to describe a deep and close relationship or knowledge about someone or something.

• She knows her best friend intimately and can tell when something is wrong.
• The author wrote about the city so intimately that it felt like the city was alive.

Best for situations where actions or conversations are kept away from public view or knowledge.

• They discussed the matter privately in the manager's office.
• She prefers to live her life privately, away from the media's attention.

Used to describe actions or opinions that one takes or holds as an individual, often reflecting personal experience or preference.

• Personally, I think that movie was fantastic.
• He personally delivered the package to ensure it arrived on time.

Appropriate when referring to something that must be kept secret or private, often in a formal or professional setting.

• The lawyer shared the documents confidentially with his client.
• She told him confidentially about the company's new project.