intimation

/,inti'meiʃn/
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intimation

He received an intimation of the upcoming changes in a brief memo.

Definition

Noun: 1. A slight suggestion or vague understanding: A subtle hint or a faint indication that allows one to form a tentative idea about something, often without explicit details. 2. An indirect suggestion or hint: A piece of information conveyed in a subtle, roundabout, or implied manner, rather than stated directly.

Usage and Examples
  • The first intimation of trouble was a faint, distant alarm. (A slight, initial sign)
  • She gave no intimation that she was planning to leave the company. (No indirect hint or suggestion)
  • He felt a vague intimation of danger, though he couldn't explain why. (A vague feeling or understanding)
  • The letter contained the first intimation of their true intentions. (The first indirect communication)
Advanced Usage
  • "to have an intimation of something": To have a faint预感 or inkling about a future event or hidden truth.
    • She had an intimation that the news would not be good.
  • "without (the slightest) intimation": Occurring completely without any prior hint or warning.
    • The policy changed without the slightest intimation to the staff.
Variants and Related Words
  • Intimate (verb): /ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪt/ To make known indirectly; to hint or imply.
    • He intimated that he might not be able to attend.
  • Intimatory (adjective): Serving to intimate or hint.
Synonyms
  • Hint
  • Suggestion
  • Indication
  • Inkling
  • Clue
  • Implication
  • Allusion
Idioms and Phrases
  • First intimation: The earliest sign or hint of something.
    • The dark clouds were the first intimation of the coming storm.
intimation

He received an intimation of the upcoming changes in a brief memo.

Noun
  1. a slight suggestion or vague understanding
    • he had no inkling what was about to happen
  2. an indirect suggestion
    • not a breath of scandal ever touched her