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Intimation: meaning, definitions and examples

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intimation

 

[ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

communication

An indication or hint; a suggestion or insinuation.

Synonyms

hint, insinuation, suggestion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intimation

Use this in formal settings to refer to subtle or indirect communication, like making someone aware of something without expressing it directly.

  • The manager's intimation that there would be layoffs caused some concern among the employees
hint

This is suitable for everyday or informal use when you want to suggest something in a gentle or indirect way.

  • She gave him a hint about what she wanted for her birthday by leaving the catalog open on the kitchen table
suggestion

Best used when giving advice, ideas, or recommendations in a neutral or positive manner, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • The teacher made a suggestion to the students to start their assignments early
insinuation

Typically used in negative contexts to describe a subtle or indirect suggestion that usually carries a malicious or disapproving connotation.

  • His insinuation that she was involved in the scandal damaged her reputation

Examples of usage

  • She gave me an intimation that she wanted to leave.
  • He subtly dropped an intimation that he was unhappy with the situation.
Context #2 | Noun

law

A formal notification or warning, especially one given in a legal context.

Synonyms

notice, notification, warning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intimation

Useful in formal or legal settings to denote a subtle or indirect suggestion or hint without explicit detail.

  • His intimation that he was unhappy with the decision was clear in his tone.
  • There was no direct statement, only a slight intimation of what was to come.
notification

Common in digital communication and formal contexts to refer to an official announcement or alert, typically in written form.

  • You will receive a notification on your phone when the package is delivered.
  • The company sent out a notification about the new office policies.
warning

Used to caution someone about potential danger or to signal that something bad might happen. Can carry a negative connotation.

  • There was a warning not to swim in the river due to strong currents.
  • He ignored the warning signs and continued down the risky path.
notice

Typically used in formal or official situations to inform someone about something important or required.

  • You are required to give two weeks' notice before quitting your job.
  • The notice on the door said the store was closed for renovations.

Examples of usage

  • The intimation was sent to the defendant's lawyer.
  • The intimation of legal action caused the company to reconsider their position.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intimatio', which means a hint or announcement.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, reflecting a time when subtle communication was valued.

Literature

  • In literature, authors often use intimations to develop themes and foreshadow events, allowing readers to sense what might happen next.
  • Famous writers like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce were known for using intimations in their complex narrative styles.

Psychology

  • Intimation plays a role in nonverbal communication, where people may pick up on subtle cues like body language and facial expressions.
  • Understanding intimations can enhance social skills, helping individuals navigate conversations more effectively.

Cultural Insights

  • In many cultures, direct communication is not always preferred; intimations are valued as a way to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.
  • In some Asian cultures, avoiding direct confrontation and using intimations aligns with the cultural emphasis on group harmony and indirect communication.

Pop Culture

  • Films and TV shows often rely on intimation – a glance, pause, or silence can convey deep emotions without dialogue.
  • Mystery genres frequently use intimations to build suspense, leading viewers or readers to draw conclusions before they are explicitly revealed.

Translations

Translations of the word "intimation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comunicação

🇮🇳 सूचना

🇩🇪 Mitteilung

🇮🇩 pemberitahuan

🇺🇦 повідомлення

🇵🇱 powiadomienie

🇯🇵 通知

🇫🇷 notification

🇪🇸 notificación

🇹🇷 bildirim

🇰🇷 통지

🇸🇦 إخطار

🇨🇿 oznámení

🇸🇰 oznámenie

🇨🇳 通知

🇸🇮 obvestilo

🇮🇸 tilkynning

🇰🇿 хабарлама

🇬🇪 შეტყობინება

🇦🇿 bildiriş

🇲🇽 notificación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,664, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.