intimation
/,inti'meiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a slight suggestion or vague understanding
- he had no inkling what was about to happen
- an indirect suggestion
- not a breath of scandal ever touched her