insinuation
/in,sinju'eiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An indirect suggestion or hint, often negative: An insinuation is a remark that implies something negative or unpleasant without stating it directly.
- The act of subtly and gradually introducing an idea or yourself into a situation: Insinuation can also refer to the process of gaining favor, acceptance, or position through subtle, indirect, or artful means.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- His speech was full of nasty insinuations about his opponent's honesty.
- She made an insinuation that I had not done my share of the work.
- The art of political insinuation requires great skill.
Advanced Usage
- "by insinuation": through indirect suggestion.
- He damaged her reputation by insinuation rather than direct accusation.
- "a tone of insinuation": a way of speaking that implies something indirect.
- Her question was asked with a tone of insinuation that made him uncomfortable.
Variants and Related Words
- Insinuate (verb): To suggest or hint (something bad) in an indirect and unpleasant way; to maneuver oneself into a favorable position.
- He insinuated that the report was falsified.
- She managed to insinuate herself into the inner circle of power.
- Insinuating (adjective): Suggesting something unpleasant in an indirect way.
- He gave her an insinuating smile.
Synonyms
- Implication: Something suggested without being directly stated.
- Innuendo: An indirect remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.
- Hint: A slight or indirect indication or suggestion.
Related Phrases
- Veiled insinuation: An indirect suggestion that is deliberately disguised or softened.
- The article contained a veiled insinuation of corruption.
Noun
- the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments
- she refused to use insinuation in order to gain favor
- an indirect (and usually malicious) implication