be intimate
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To engage in sexual intercourse with someone. This is a euphemistic and somewhat informal phrase used to describe a sexual relationship or act.
Usage
- The phrase "be intimate" is used to describe the act of having sex in a less direct way. It is often used in past or present perfect tenses (e.g., ).
- It is typically followed by the preposition "with" to indicate the other person involved.
Examples
- Verb:
- They had been intimate before they decided to get married.
- He admitted to being intimate with her on several occasions.
- The couple chose to wait until marriage before being intimate.
Advanced Usage
- "To have been intimate": This perfect construction is very common, emphasizing a past sexual relationship that may or may not be ongoing.
- She revealed they had been intimate during their summer abroad.
- The phrase can sometimes imply emotional closeness in addition to the physical act, though its primary meaning is sexual.
Variants and Related Words
- Sleep with (phrasal verb): A more casual synonym for "be intimate with."
- It is rumored he slept with his co-star.
- Make love (verb phrase): A phrase that often emphasizes emotional affection and tenderness alongside the sexual act.
- The newlyweds made love for the first time.
Synonyms
- Have sex with: A more direct and neutral synonym.
- Consummate (verb): Often used specifically for the first act of sexual intercourse within a marriage.
Related Phrases
- Be physically intimate: A slightly more explicit variant that clarifies the nature of the intimacy.
- The therapy addressed their issues with being physically intimate.
- Intimate relations: A formal noun phrase referring to sexual activity.
- The book discusses intimate relations in the Victorian era.
Notes on Usage
- "Be intimate" is a euphemism. Its formality level is neutral to informal. In very formal or medical contexts, terms like "engage in sexual intercourse" or "copulate" might be used instead.
- The related adjective "intimate" by itself (e.g., ) can refer to a private, emotionally close situation that may or may not involve sexual activity. The verb phrase "be intimate" specifically denotes the sexual act.
Verb
- have sexual intercourse with
- This student sleeps with everyone in her dorm
- Adam knew Eve
- Were you ever intimate with this man?