intimation
C2Formal, Literary, Elevated
Definition
Meaning
A subtle or indirect hint or suggestion about something, often of a non-explicit nature.
An indirect communication or indication, often of something private, delicate, or impending; the act of making something known indirectly. Less commonly, an archaic term for a formal announcement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Conveys nuance, subtlety, and often a sense of privacy or unspoken understanding. Implies knowledge is conveyed obliquely, not bluntly. Often carries a faintly ominous or melancholic tone when referring to premonitions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with literary and high-register contexts in both regions. No major connotative divergence.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both British and American English, primarily found in formal writing and sophisticated speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intimation of (something)intimation that (clause)intimation from (source)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The first intimation of trouble”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The memo gave no intimation of the impending merger.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, philosophy, or history. 'The poem is filled with intimations of mortality.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Might be used humorously or self-consciously. 'He dropped a vague intimation that he might be leaving.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields with specific jargon.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He did not intimate his plans to anyone.
- The report intimated a need for major reform.
American English
- She never intimated that she was dissatisfied.
- The data intimates a shift in market trends.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her letter contained the first intimation that she was unwell.
- I had no intimation that he was planning to resign.
- The director's comments were seen as a clear intimation of policy changes to come.
- There was an intimation of sadness in his voice that betrayed his cheerful words.
- The novel's opening provides a dark intimation of the tragedy that will unfold.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INTIMAtion as a very close (INTIMATE) whisper of a hint, not a public shout.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS A SUBSTANCE GIVEN GENTLY (hinted at, dropped, received).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интимный' (intimate/private in a romantic/sexual sense).
- A closer conceptual match is 'намёк' (hint) or 'прозрачный намёк'.
- The verb 'to intimate' (pronounced /ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪt/) meaning 'to imply' is a false friend of the verb 'интимничать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean a direct statement or command.
- Confusing it with 'intimidation' (threatening).
- Mispronouncing it as /ɪnˈtaɪ.meɪ.ʃən/ (like 'intimate' the adjective/verb).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'intimation' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both derive from the Latin 'intimare' (to make known, impress). 'Intimation' is a noun related to the verb 'to intimate' (/ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪt/), meaning to imply. It is distantly related to the adjective 'intimate' (/ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/), meaning close and private, as both share a root in the concept of innermost.
Yes, though its tone is often neutral or slightly ominous. A positive use would be: 'The warm breeze was an intimation of spring.'
The most common error is confusing 'intimation' (a hint) with 'intimidation' (the act of frightening someone). They are entirely different words.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday conversation, native speakers are far more likely to use 'hint', 'suggestion', or 'feeling'.