intimated
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
Past tense or past participle of 'intimate' meaning to make known subtly or indirectly; to hint or suggest something.
1. To state or communicate something indirectly, often in a discreet or gentle manner. 2. (Archaic/Legal) To announce or proclaim formally.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word strongly implies subtlety, indirectness, and confidentiality. It often describes communication that is deliberately not explicit or forceful, relying on the listener's understanding. It can carry connotations of a private or sensitive matter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or core usage. The word is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal British writing (e.g., legal, diplomatic, academic contexts). In American English, it is equally formal but may also appear in corporate or journalistic contexts.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in formal registers in both varieties; slightly higher frequency in British English historical/legal texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] intimated [that-clause][Subject] intimated [something] to [someone][Subject] intimated [his/her/their] [noun (e.g., desire, intention)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically for the past tense form.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO intimated that a restructuring was likely in the new year.
Academic
The author intimated a connection between the two phenomena without stating it conclusively.
Everyday
She intimated that she wasn't happy with the plan, but didn't want to argue.
Technical
Less common; might be used in legal contexts: 'The witness intimated he had further information.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He intimated his resignation to the board prior to the public announcement.
- The report intimated severe budgetary shortcomings.
American English
- She intimated that she might move abroad for her career.
- Sources have intimated a major policy shift is coming.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend intimated that she was looking for a new job.
- He didn't say 'no', but he intimated it.
- The ambassador intimated that further sanctions were a possibility.
- Throughout the interview, she intimated her dissatisfaction with the current management.
- The judge's remarks intimated a clear scepticism towards the prosecution's key witness.
- While never explicitly criticising his predecessor, the minister's speech carefully intimated a need for a new direction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'INside-TIMidly statED' -> said something timidly or privately on the inside (indirectly).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A VEILED OBJECT (hinting is partially covering the idea).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интимный' (intimate in the sense of close/private). This is a 'false friend'.
- The Russian verb 'намекать' (to hint) is the closest equivalent, not 'интимировать' (which doesn't exist).
- Avoid using it for direct statements; it requires an indirect or subtle context.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intimated' to mean 'stated forcefully' (incorrect – it's the opposite).
- Confusing it with the adjective 'intimate' (/ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/) meaning 'close and familiar'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: stressing the second syllable (in-TI-mated) instead of the first (IN-ti-mated).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'intimated' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not an everyday word. It belongs to a more formal or literary register and is most common in written English (news, reports, literature) and formal speech.
'Intimated' suggests a discreet, often private, hinting. 'Implied' is more general – something suggested without being stated. 'Insinuated' often has a negative connotation, suggesting something unpleasant indirectly.
Yes, though its formality remains. E.g., 'He intimated his approval with a slight nod.' It is neutral but often used for sensitive or private matters.
No. The verb (intimated) is pronounced with stress on the FIRST syllable: /ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪ.tɪd/. The adjective (intimate) is stressed on the FIRST syllable /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/, but the related noun 'intimacy' shifts stress.