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.

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