insinuate

/in'sinjueit/

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Explanation of "Insinuate"

Definition:
The verb "insinuate" means to suggest something in an indirect or subtle way. It often implies that the suggestion is not clear or is hidden. When someone insinuates, they give you a hint or an idea without saying it openly.

Usage Instructions:

• "Insinuate" is typically used when someone is trying to suggest something negative or questionable without directly stating it.
• It can also refer to introducing oneself in a conversation or situation in a sneaky or subtle manner.

Examples:

1. Direct Suggestion:

   • "During the meeting, she insinuated that her colleague was not doing his job well, without saying it directly."

2. Inserting Oneself:

   • "He insinuated himself into the group of friends by asking lots of questions about their hobbies."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or formal writing, "insinuate" can be used to describe how a character subtly influences others or introduces doubt or suspicion without being overt.

Word Variants:

• Insinuation (noun): This refers to the act of insinuating something or the idea that is suggested.

  • Example: "Her insinuation that he was lying was hurtful."

• Insinuative (adjective): Relating to or characterized by insinuation.

  • Example: "His insinuative remarks made everyone uncomfortable."

Different Meanings:

1. Subtle Suggestion: Often used in a negative context, for example, suggesting someone is guilty of something without proof.
2. Introducing Oneself: Refers to entering a conversation or situation smoothly, often without being invited.

Synonyms:

• Suggest
• Imply
• Hint
• Intimate
• Allude

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Read between the lines": This means to understand the hidden meanings or suggestions in what someone says. It relates closely to "insinuate" because both involve understanding indirect messages.

Summary:

To "insinuate" is to subtly hint at something without saying it directly, often in a way that can be negative or sneaky.

Academic

Verb

1. give to understand
   • I insinuated that I did not like his wife
2. introduce or insert (oneself) in a subtle manner
   • He insinuated himself into the conversation of the people at the nearby table

Synonyms

• intimate
• adumbrate