Intimate vs. Inform — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Intimate involves a close, personal connection, often private, while inform means to provide information or knowledge.
Difference Between Intimate and Inform
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intimate refers to a personal or private connection that is often deep and emotional, such as between friends or lovers. On the other hand, inform relates to the act of giving information or data, typically to increase someone's knowledge about a particular topic or situation.
While intimate interactions involve sharing personal experiences, secrets, or close emotional ties, inform is generally associated with less personal, more objective communication of facts or instructions.
Intimate settings are usually private and reserved for a select few people who share a strong mutual understanding. Conversely, informing can occur in both private and public contexts and does not require a close personal relationship.
The verb intimate can also mean to suggest something subtly, relying on a deep understanding between the individuals involved. In contrast, to inform implies a direct and clear delivery of facts without the need for personal closeness.
Intimate communication typically involves nuances and a depth of meaning that goes beyond mere words. Inform, however, focuses on clarity and the straightforward transmission of information.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Involving a close and personal connection
Providing information or knowledge
Context of Use
Private, emotional situations
Educational, informational settings
Emotional Connection
High
Low or none
Type of Communication
Deep, personal, often non-verbal
Direct, factual, typically verbal
Suggested Meaning
Can imply subtlety and indirectness
Generally straightforward and explicit
Compare with Definitions
Intimate
Private and personal.
The diary revealed his most intimate thoughts.
Inform
Keep someone updated.
Please keep us informed of any new developments.
Intimate
Very close or detailed knowledge of something.
She has an intimate understanding of the complexities involved.
Inform
Fill someone in on the background.
He was informed about the company's history during orientation.
Intimate
To hint or imply subtly.
He intimated that they should leave the party early.
Inform
Give facts or information.
She informed him about the changes to the plan.
Intimate
Closely acquainted; familiar
Intimate friends
They are on intimate terms
Inform
Officially communicate something.
The officer informed them of their rights.
Intimate
A very close friend
His circle of intimates
Inform
Enlighten someone intellectually.
The lecture informed students about renewable energy technologies.
Intimate
State or make known
Mr Hutchison has intimated his decision to retire
Inform
Inform is a programming language and design system for interactive fiction originally created in 1993 by Graham Nelson. Inform can generate programs designed for the Z-code or Glulx virtual machines.
Intimate
Characterized by close personal acquaintance or familiarity
Intimate friends.
Inform
To impart information to; make aware of something
We were informed by mail of the change in plans. The nurse informed me that visiting hours were over.
Intimate
Relating to or indicative of one's deepest nature
Intimate prayers.
Inform
To acquaint (oneself) with knowledge of a subject.
Intimate
Essential; innermost
The intimate structure of matter.
Inform
To give form or character to; imbue with a quality or an essence
"A society's strength is measured by ... its ability to inform a future generation with its moral standards" (Vanity Fair).
Intimate
Marked by informality and privacy
An intimate nightclub.
Inform
To be a formative or characterizing presence in; animate
"It is this brash, backroom sensibility that informs his work as a novelist" (Jeff Shear).
Intimate
Very personal; private
An intimate letter.
Inform
(Obsolete) To form (the mind or character) by teaching or training.
Intimate
A close friend or confidant.
Inform
To give or provide information.
Intimate
To state or express indirectly
She intimated that she did not want him to call back.
Inform
To disclose confidential or incriminating information to an authority
The defendant informed against the other members of the ring.
Intimate
To make evident indirectly
His worn clothes intimated that he was in need of money.
Inform
To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
Intimate
(Archaic) To announce; proclaim.
Inform
(transitive) To communicate knowledge to.
Intimate
Closely acquainted; familiar.
An intimate friend
He and his sister deeply valued their intimate relationship as they didn't have much else to live for.
Inform
(intransitive) To impart information or knowledge.
Intimate
; private.
An intimate setting
Inform
To act as an informer; denounce.
Intimate
Pertaining to details that require great familiarity to know.
Inform
(transitive) To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
His sense of religion informs everything he writes.
Intimate
Very finely mixed.
Black powder consists of an intimate mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur.
Inform
To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
Intimate
A very close friend.
Only a couple of intimates had ever read his writing.
Inform
To direct, guide.
Intimate
(in plural intimates) women's underwear, sleepwear, or lingerie, especially offered for sale in a store.
You'll find bras and panties in the women's intimates section upstairs.
Inform
To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
Intimate
(ambitransitive) To suggest or disclose (something) discreetly.
He intimated that we should leave before the argument escalated.
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Intimate
To notify.
I will intimate you when the details are available.
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Intimate
Innermost; inward; internal; deep-seated; hearty.
Inform
To give form or share to; to give vital or organizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion.
Let others better mold the running massOf metals, and inform the breathing brass.
Breath informs this fleeting frame.
Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part.
Intimate
Near; close; direct; thorough; complete.
He was honored with an intimate and immediate admission.
Inform
To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to enlighten; - usually followed by of.
For he would learn their business secretly,And then inform his master hastily.
I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
Intimate
Close in friendship or acquaintance; familiar; confidential; as, an intimate friend.
Inform
To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of accusation; to warn against anybody.
Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul.
Intimate
An intimate friend or associate; a confidant.
Inform
To give intelligence or information; to tell.
He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught.
Intimate
To announce; to declare; to publish; to communicate; to make known.
He, incontinent, did proclaim and intimate open war.
So both conspiring 'gan to intimateEach other's grief.
Inform
Impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to;
I informed him of his rights
Intimate
To suggest obscurely or indirectly; to refer to remotely; to give slight notice of; to hint; as, he intimated his intention of resigning his office.
The names of simple ideas and substances, with the abstract ideas in the mind, intimate some real existence, from which was derived their original pattern.
Inform
Give character or essence to;
The principles that inform modern teaching
Intimate
Someone to whom private matters are confided
Inform
Act as an informer;
She had informed on her own parents for years
Intimate
Give to understand;
I insinuated that I did not like his wife
Intimate
Imply as a possibility;
The evidence suggests a need for more clarification
Intimate
Marked by close aquaintance, association, or familiarity;
Intimate friend
Intimate relations between economics, politics, and legal principles
Intimate
Having or fostering a warm or friendly atmosphere; especially through smallness and informality;
Had a cozy chat
A relaxed informal manner
An intimate cocktail lounge
The small room was cozy and intimate
Intimate
Having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship;
On familiar terms
Pretending she is on an intimate footing with those she slanders
Intimate
Innermost or essential;
The inner logic of Cubism
The internal contradictions of the theory
The intimate structure of matter
Intimate
Thoroughly acquainted with through study or experience;
This girl, so intimate with nature
KnowledgeaIble about the technique of painting
Common Curiosities
What does inform mean in communication?
In communication, inform means to provide data or facts, helping others understand or learn something new.
Can intimate be used in a professional setting?
Yes, but typically in terms of detailed or profound knowledge of professional subjects, not personal closeness.
Is it possible to inform someone intimately?
While the act of informing is generally objective, one can share information in an intimate manner if there's a close relationship.
How does the emotional content differ between intimate and inform?
Intimate involves significant emotional content, whereas inform usually lacks emotional implications.
What is a synonym for inform?
Notify, advise, or enlighten are synonyms for inform.
What does intimate mean in a social context?
Intimate in a social context refers to a close, personal connection that involves deep trust and emotional bond.
Why is clarity important when using inform?
Clarity is crucial when using inform to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information.
How does one's tone change when using intimate vs. inform?
The tone in intimate exchanges is often softer and more personal, while in informing it is clear and objective.
What is a synonym for intimate?
Close, personal, or familiar are synonyms for intimate.
What are the key differences in the use of intimate vs. inform?
Intimate is used for close personal relationships or deep knowledge, whereas inform is used for general transmission of information.
Can informal conversations be intimate?
Yes, informal conversations can be intimate if they involve personal or private topics between close individuals.
Can intimate be used as a verb?
Yes, intimate can be used as a verb meaning to imply or hint something subtly.
What is the most common misconception about inform?
A common misconception is that inform always involves detailed explanation, while it actually requires only basic data transmission.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
