Intimations

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A subtle suggestion or indication of something that may happen or be true
2. A hint or allusion that prompts thought about a deeper meaning or consequence
3. An indirect message or notification that conveys an idea or feeling without direct expression

Etymology: The noun in question derives from the verb meaning to make something known indirectly or to hint at it. This verb entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century, coming from the Latin "intimare," which means to put someone on familiar terms or to announce. The root "intimus" in Latin means "innermost" or "most secret," reflecting the sense of revealing something private or subtle. Over time, the noun form emerged to describe the subtle or indirect indications or suggestions themselves, rather than the act of hinting. Rather than explicit statements, these are often faint or delicate signals that something is true or about to happen. The word has retained this sense of gentle or quiet communication, often implying something more profound beneath the surface. The plural form emphasizes multiple instances or signs, each an intimation of a larger reality or truth. This usage can be traced in English literature from the early modern period onward, where poets and writers employed it to evoke mystery, foreshadowing, or the delicate unveiling of emotions and ideas. Thus, this term carries a lineage of intimacy and discretion, rooted in the idea of bringing the innermost truths to light—not bluntly, but with nuance and subtlety.

Synonyms: hints, suggestions, indications, notices, clues

Antonyms: oblivions, ignorances, unawareness, denials, dismissals