Insinuate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To insinuate means to suggest or imply something indirectly, often with a negative or sly connotation. It involves hinting at an idea without stating it outright.
Definition:
To suggest or hint something indirectly, often with negative implications.
Synonyms:
imply, hint, suggest, intimate, allude
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
declare, state
Common Collocations:
insinuate doubt, insinuate oneself into, insinuate a meaning
Derivatives:
insinuation, insinuatingly
Usage Tips:
Use "insinuate" when implying something subtly, often with a negative connotation; avoid for direct statements.
Common Phrases:
insinuate oneself into favor, darkly insinuate, insinuate wrongdoing
Etymology:
From Latin "insinuare," meaning "to introduce tortuously or subtly."
Examples:
- 1. She didn’t accuse him directly but tried to insinuate he was lying.
- 2. He always finds a way to insinuate himself into important conversations.
- 3. Her tone seemed to insinuate disapproval without saying it outright.
- 4. The article subtly insinuates corruption without providing evidence.
- 5. Don’t insinuate things you can’t prove—just speak plainly!