Intimates

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

  1. To hint at or imply something subtly | To communicate a message or feeling in a private or indirect manner | To make known to someone in a confidential way
  2. To suggest or convey an idea indirectly | To share thoughts or emotions in a discreet and personal manner | To subtly inform someone about a matter in a way that implies deeper meaning
  3. To convey a notion indirectly while hinting at deeper meanings | To communicate feelings or thoughts privately and subtly | To suggest an idea confidentially, often with unspoken implications

Etymology: The noun and verb forms of this word trace back to the Latin verb "intimare," meaning "to make known, announce, or declare." This verb itself stems from "intimus," which means "inmost" or "closest," derived from "in-" (meaning "in") combined with a superlative form of "inter," meaning "between." The original Latin sense carried the idea of revealing something deeply personal or private, something from the innermost part of one's self or knowledge. Entering English around the late 16th century, the verb was used to mean "to make something known subtly or indirectly," often implying a delicate or confidential communication. Over time, the verb acquired a more specific sense of "to hint at" or "to imply," as when someone intimates a secret or a plan without stating it outright. As a noun, the term came to denote a person who is closely acquainted or trusted — someone "in the inner circle." This sense grew from the idea of intimacy and close knowledge, reflecting the original Latin root's emphasis on the "inmost" or most private connection. By the 18th century, it was common to refer to friends or confidants as such, underscoring relationships marked by closeness and mutual understanding. The dual use as both noun and verb preserves the core idea of closeness, whether it’s the act of subtly communicating or the person who shares that close relationship. This word’s journey from Latin into English keeps alive the sense of something deeply personal, whether it’s a discreet hint or a trusted companion.

Synonyms: friends, confidants, associates, companions, acquaintances

Antonyms: strangers, enemies, opponents, rivals, adversaries