intimate
pronunciation
How to pronounce intimate in British English:
UK [ˈɪntɪmət , ˈɪntɪmeɪt]
How to pronounce intimate in American English:
US [ˈɪntɪmət , ˈɪntɪmeɪt]
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- Noun:
- someone to whom private matters are confided
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- Verb:
- give to understand
- imply as a possibility
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- Adjective:
- marked by close aquaintance, association, or familiarity
- having or fostering a warm or friendly atmosphere; especially through smallness and informality
- having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship
- involved in a sexual relationship
- innermost or essential
- thoroughly acquainted with through study or experience
Word Origin
- intimate (adj.)
- 1630s, "closely acquainted, very familiar," from Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare "make known, announce, impress," from Latin intimus "inmost" (adj.), "close friend" (n.), superlative of in "in" (see in- (2)). Used euphemistically in reference to women's underwear from 1904. Related: Intimately.
- intimate (v.)
- "suggest indirectly," 1530s, back-formation from intimation, or else from Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare. Related: Intimated; intimating.
- intimate (n.)
- 1650s, "person with whom one is intimate," from intimate (adj.).
Example
- 1. That 's how I get such intimate pictures .
- 2. There has been much speculation that the earl and the writer had an intimate bisexual relationship .
- 3. The link between private and public sector debt is intimate .
- 4. For a casual date you can get more intimate on that date .
- 5. Sitting in a restaurant , we have intimate conversations knowing that the waitress may overhear .