intimity

intimity

A family shares a moment of intimity in their cozy living room.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Privacy or intimacy: "intimity" refers to the state or quality of being private, secluded, or intimately personal. It is a less common variant of "intimacy," emphasizing a condition of close personal connection or seclusion.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The couple valued the intimity of their quiet home. (They cherished the privacy and closeness of their secluded house.)
    • In the midst of the crowded city, she found a rare intimity in her small garden. (She discovered a private, intimate space away from public view.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to seek intimity": to actively pursue or desire a state of privacy or close personal connection.

    • After a long day, he sought intimity in his study. (He looked for a private, quiet place to be alone.)

  • "to breach intimity": to violate someone's privacy or personal space.

    • The journalist's questions breached the intimity of the grieving family. (The journalist invaded their private emotional space.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Intimacy (n): the more common term for close familiarity or friendship; closeness.
    • Their intimacy grew over years of shared experiences. (Their close bond deepened.)
  • Intimate (adj): marked by close acquaintance or familiarity; private.
    • They had an intimate dinner for two. (A private, personal meal.)
  • Intimately (adv): in a close or private manner.
    • He knew her intimately. (He knew her very well and personally.)
Synonyms
  • Privacy: the state of being free from public attention.
  • Seclusion: the state of being private and away from other people.
  • Closeness: a feeling of warm personal connection.
  • Confidentiality: the quality of being private and secret.
Related Idioms
  • "in the intimity of one's own home": in the private, personal space of one's residence.
    • They discussed the matter in the intimity of their own home. (They spoke privately, away from outsiders.)

Note: "Intimity" is a rare or archaic word. Most modern speakers and writers use "intimacy" instead. The meaning remains the same: a state of personal privacy or close connection.