insinuating
/in'sinjueitiɳ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Suggesting something unpleasant indirectly or subtly: Describing a manner of speaking or behaving that implies something negative or critical in a covert, often sly, way.
- Intended to gain favor or advantage through subtle, often flattering, means: Describing behavior that is designed to ingratiate oneself with someone in a calculated, smooth, and sometimes manipulative way.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- She made an insinuating remark about his past, leaving everyone uncomfortable. (Her comment indirectly hinted at something negative about his history.)
- His insinuating tone suggested he knew more than he was saying. (His way of speaking subtly implied he had secret knowledge.)
- The politician used an insinuating charm to win over the undecided voters. (He employed a smooth, calculated pleasantness to gain their support.)
Advanced Usage
- "In an insinuating manner": behaving or speaking with indirect suggestions.
- He asked the question in an insinuating manner, implying I was lying.
- Used to describe a quality of speech, writing, or behavior that is subtly penetrating or creeping in its effect.
- The insinuating doubt planted by the lawyer slowly eroded the witness's credibility.
Variants and Related Words
- Insinuate (verb): To suggest or hint (something negative) in an indirect and unpleasant way; to maneuver oneself into a favorable position by subtle manipulation.
- He tried to insinuate that the project failed due to her leadership.
- Insinuation (noun): An indirect or covert suggestion or hint, typically of a derogatory nature.
- She was angered by the insinuation of dishonesty.
- Insinuatingly (adverb): In an insinuating manner.
- He smiled insinuatingly.
Synonyms
- Hinting: Suggesting indirectly.
- Implicative: Tending to imply.
- Ingratiating: Intended to gain approval or favor, especially through deliberate effort.
- Suggestive: Tending to suggest an idea.
Related Phrases
- To make insinuations: To imply negative things indirectly.
- The article made insinuations about the company's financial health without providing proof.
- An insinuating smile/smirk: A smile that suggests hidden knowledge or negative implication.
- She gave him an insinuating smile that made him nervous.
Adjective
-
calculated to please or gain favor
-
a smooth ingratiating manner
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