Insinuating - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Insinuating means subtly suggesting something negative or unpleasant, often in an indirect or sly way. It can describe remarks, tones, or behavior that imply criticism or suspicion without stating it openly.
Definition:
Suggesting something unpleasant indirectly or subtly.
Synonyms:
implying, hinting, suggesting, alluding
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (present participle)
Antonyms:
direct, explicit
Common Collocations:
insinuating tone, insinuating remark, insinuating smile
Derivatives:
insinuate, insinuation, insinuator
Usage Tips:
Use "insinuating" to describe indirect suggestions, often with negative implications.
Common Phrases:
insinuating oneself into favor, insinuating doubt, insinuating a lie
Etymology:
From Latin "insinuare," meaning "to introduce tortuously or subtly."
Examples:
- 1. She gave him an insinuating glance that made him uneasy.
- 2. His insinuating tone suggested he knew more than he said.
- 3. The article was full of insinuating remarks about the politician’s past.
- 4. She avoided his insinuating questions by changing the subject quickly.