What does intimating mean?
Intimating is a verb that means to give a hint or suggestion of something, especially something unpleasant or unwelcome. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal situations. The word can convey a sense of warning or caution, and it is often used in business or professional settings. For example, a doctor might use intimating to suggest that a patient's condition is more serious than they initially let on. In a more formal context, a teacher might use intimating to suggest that a student's answer is incorrect. The word can also be used to imply that something is not what it seems, or that there is more to a situation than meets the eye. Overall, intimating is a useful word for conveying subtle hints or suggestions, and it is an important part of many professional and formal contexts.
verbTo give a hint or suggestion of something, especially something unpleasant or unwelcome.
- To give a hint or suggestion of something, especially something unpleasant or unwelcome.
"The doctor's tone was intimating that the patient's condition was more serious than she had initially let on."
"The detective's questions were intimating that the suspect was involved in the crime."
"The teacher's tone was intimating that the student's answer was incorrect."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intimating
The word 'intimating' comes from the verb 'intimate', which means to convey a hint or suggestion of something. This verb is derived from the Latin word 'intimare', which means 'to make known' or 'to reveal'. The word 'intimate' has been used in English since the 15th century, and it has been used in various forms, including 'intimating', since the 17th century.
How intimating is actually used
Intimating can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal situations, such as in business or professional settings. It can also be used to convey a sense of warning or caution.