Intimates Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intimates

[หˆษชntษชmษ™ts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

close relationships

Intimates refer to people with whom one has a close and personal relationship, often characterized by emotional bonding and trust.

Synonyms

close friends, companion, confidants.

Examples of usage

  • He shared his deepest secrets with his intimates.
  • They were more than just friends, they were intimates.
Context #2 | Verb

imply or hint

As a verb, intimates can mean to suggest indirectly or hint at something without explicitly stating it.

Synonyms

hint, imply, suggest.

Examples of usage

  • She intimated that she might be leaving soon.
  • He intimated his disapproval without saying a word.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that deep relationships can significantly impact mental health, reducing stress and increasing happiness.
  • Sharing personal experiences with intimates can lead to improved emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
  • Having a few close friends, rather than many acquaintances, has been linked to better overall life satisfaction and well-being.

Literature

  • Intimate relationships often serve as a theme in literature, highlighting the emotional complexities of human connections.
  • In many classic novels, characters discover their true selves through intimate friendships, showcasing the power of vulnerability.
  • Authors frequently explore the dynamics of intimacy in works addressing love, loss, and personal growth, making it a rich area for storytelling.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique customs and expectations surrounding intimate friendships, often influenced by social norms and values.
  • In some cultures, intimacy is expressed more openly through physical touch and affectionate gestures than in others.
  • The way people form and maintain intimates can vary widely based on societal expectations, leading to diverse expressions of closeness.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often portray the lives of characters through their intimates, emphasizing how these relationships shape decisions and personalities.
  • Songs about friendship and love frequently explore the themes of intimacy, showcasing the importance of close bonds in people's lives.
  • Movies that focus on intimate relationships often depict how these connections can transform characters, driving the narrative arc.

Origin of 'intimates'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'intimate' comes from the Latin 'intimare', meaning 'to make known' or 'to announce', reflecting the idea of closeness and familiarity.
  • In early English, the term was associated with friendships that involved sharing personal thoughts and feelings.
  • By the 17th century, 'intimates' began to refer specifically to close friendships, emphasizing emotional bonds rather than mere acquaintanceship.

The word 'intimates' has its origin in the Latin word 'intimatus', which means 'made known'. Over the centuries, it has evolved to refer to close and personal relationships as well as implying or hinting at something. The term has been used in various contexts to describe the depth of emotional connections between individuals.


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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,186, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.