YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

intimation

Noun

IPA /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃn/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

A hint or indirect sign that something may be true or may happen.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

intimation/ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃn/

PICTURE THE IDEA

See the meaning

Follow the idea

A memo gives a small indirect hint
Readers suspect a coming change

An intimation is an indication, rather than a full explanation.

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

Her short reply gave no intimation that she was upset.
The memo offered the first intimation of a change in leadership.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

Her short reply gave no ________ that she was upset.

Show the answer

intimation — A hint or indirect sign that something may be true or may happen.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “intimation” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

A hint or indirect sign that something may be true or may happen.

Compare: Her short reply gave no intimation that she was upset.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Word origin

From Old French intimation, ultimately related to Latin intimare, meaning to make known.

Did you know?

An intimation of something and an intimation that something will happen are useful patterns.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.