Intimate

Definition

Closely acquainted; familiar.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English (adjective, Noun)

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntɪmət/
• Respelling: IN-tuh-mit (with "IN" as in "pin," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "mit" as in "kit")

British English (adjective, Noun)

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntɪmət/
• Respelling: IN-tuh-mit (with "IN" as in "pin," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "mit" as in "kit")

American English (verb)

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntɪˌmeɪt/
• Respelling: IN-tuh-mayt (with "IN" as in "pin," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "mayt" as in "mate")

British English (verb)

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntɪˌmeɪt/
• Respelling: IN-tuh-mayt (with "IN" as in "pin," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "mayt" as in "mate")

In both dialects, "intimate" as an adjective places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN," and is pronounced the same. As a verb, it also places the primary stress on the first syllable but has a different ending pronunciation, "IN-tuh-mayt."

Etymology

From Late Latin "intimatus", past participle of "intimare" ('to make known'), from Latin "intimus" ('innermost, deepest, most intimate'), superlative of "interior" ('inner').

Derivatives

• Intimately (adverb)
• Intimacy (noun)
• Intimation (noun)
• Intimating (verb, present participle)
• Intimated (verb, past tense)

Synonyms

• Close
• Personal
• Familiar

Antonyms

• Distant
• Formal
• Impersonal

Usage

The term "intimate" is used to describe relationships or situations where there is a deep personal connection, or to subtly suggest or hint at something.

Related Terms

• Intimacy
• Confidant
• Private
• Affectionate
• Companion

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Intimate (Adjective): Having a very close relationship, characterized by deep personal knowledge or affection.
  • Example: "They have been intimate friends since childhood."

• Intimate (Adjective): Private and personal.
  • Example: "The couple shared an intimate dinner at home."

Noun

• Intimate (Noun): A close friend or confidant.
  • Example: "She shared her secrets only with a few intimates."

Verb

• Intimate (Verb): To suggest or hint at something indirectly.
  • Example: "He intimated that he might not attend the meeting."

Note: "Intimate", depending on its context of use, can refer to something deeply personal or closely connected, especially in terms of relationships or knowledge. As a verb, it is used to hint or suggest something indirectly.