inkling
/'iɳkliɳ/
Definition
Noun: A slight suggestion, hint, or vague understanding of something; a faint or indistinct idea or suspicion.
Usage
Inkling is used to describe a very small amount of knowledge or a faint suspicion about something, often when the full details are not known. It is commonly used in negative constructions (e.g., "have no inkling") or to indicate a very early or weak notion.
Examples
- I didn't have the slightest inkling that they were planning a surprise party for me.
- She gave no inkling of her true feelings during the meeting.
- He had an inkling that the answer might be found in the old documents, but he wasn't sure.
Advanced Usage
- "To have an inkling (of/about something)": To have a slight suspicion or vague idea.
- After hearing their whispers, I had an inkling about the secret project.
- "To give an inkling (of something)": To provide a slight hint or suggestion.
- The first chapter gives no inkling of the plot twists to come.
Variants and Related Words
- Inkle (verb, archaic): To hint at or give an inkling of something. (This form is now very rare and not used in modern English.)
Synonyms
- Hint
- Suggestion
- Glimmer
- Notion
- Suspicion
- Clue
- Intimation
Antonyms
- Certainty
- Knowledge
- Understanding
- Awareness
Noun
-
a slight suggestion or vague understanding
-
he had no inkling what was about to happen
-
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