Intimate vs. Intimation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 17, 2024
Intimate refers to close, personal relationships or details, while intimation means a hint or indirect suggestion.
Difference Between Intimate and Intimation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intimate describes something closely connected or personal, such as relationships or details that are very private. It conveys a sense of deep familiarity or affection, often reserved for those things or people we hold dear. Intimation, on the other hand, refers to an indication or hint about something, usually conveyed subtly or indirectly. It's about suggesting or hinting at something without stating it outright.
When discussing intimate aspects, we're often talking about matters of personal or sensitive nature, whether it be emotions, spaces, or conversations. This can include close friendships, romantic relationships, or private experiences. Intimation involves a more nuanced form of communication, where the message or information is implied rather than explicitly stated, requiring interpretation by the recipient.
The usage of intimate as a verb can also mean to suggest subtly or to make known indirectly, which is similar in meaning to intimation. However, as an adjective, intimate emphasizes closeness and personal attachment. Intimation does not have this dual role and strictly refers to the act of making an indirect suggestion.
In literature or conversation, intimate details are those that reveal a deep understanding or personal knowledge of a subject or person. They often require a level of trust to be shared. Intimation, in contrast, is used strategically to convey messages that might not be openly discussed, relying on the subtleties of language and context to be understood.
The emotional weight carried by intimate is significantly heavier, pertaining to the depth of personal bonds and private matters. Intimation carries a lighter emotional load, focusing instead on the cognitive aspect of decoding a hint or suggestion.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Referring to close, personal relationships or details
A hint or indirect suggestion
Usage
As an adjective, describes closeness; as a verb, to suggest subtly
Noun referring to the act of hinting at something
Communication
Direct and often deeply personal
Indirect, requiring interpretation
Emotional Weight
Heavy, dealing with personal or sensitive information
Lighter, focused on the subtleties of suggestion
Examples
Intimate conversations, intimate knowledge of someone
An intimation of discontent, intimation of a plan
Compare with Definitions
Intimate
A personal and deeply affectionate bond.
They shared an intimate friendship, confiding in each other about everything.
Intimation
An indirect suggestion or hint.
The slight nod was an intimation of his agreement.
Intimate
A place conducive to close personal interaction.
The candlelit dinner created an intimate setting for their anniversary.
Intimation
A sign that suggests something indirectly.
There was an intimation of rain with the gathering clouds.
Intimate
A deeply personal or private emotion.
His poetry revealed his intimate feelings about the loss.
Intimation
Mentioning something in a not directly explicit way.
The intimation of his past achievements made everyone curious.
Intimate
Information of a very private or personal nature.
He kept the intimate details of his life private from the public eye.
Intimation
A suggestion made without explicit announcement.
Her glance was an intimation to leave the room discreetly.
Intimate
To suggest something subtly.
She intimated that there might be a surprise party for him.
Intimation
A meaning understood from hints rather than direct statements.
The tone of his voice carried an intimation of disappointment.
Intimate
Closely acquainted; familiar
Intimate friends
They are on intimate terms
Intimation
An indication or hint
The first intimations of trouble
No one gave any intimation that there had been any problems
Intimate
A very close friend
His circle of intimates
Intimation
To state or express indirectly
She intimated that she did not want him to call back.
Intimate
State or make known
Mr Hutchison has intimated his decision to retire
Intimation
To make evident indirectly
His worn clothes intimated that he was in need of money.
Intimate
Characterized by close personal acquaintance or familiarity
Intimate friends.
Intimation
(Archaic) To announce; proclaim.
Intimate
Relating to or indicative of one's deepest nature
Intimate prayers.
Intimation
The act of intimating.
Intimate
Essential; innermost
The intimate structure of matter.
Intimation
The thing intimated.
Intimate
Marked by informality and privacy
An intimate nightclub.
Intimation
Announcement; declaration.
Intimate
Very personal; private
An intimate letter.
Intimation
A hint; an obscure or indirect suggestion or notice; a remote or ambiguous reference.
Intimate
A close friend or confidant.
Intimation
The act of intimating; also, the thing intimated.
Intimate
To state or express indirectly
She intimated that she did not want him to call back.
Intimation
A hint; an obscure or indirect suggestion or notice; a remote or ambiguous reference; as, he had given only intimations of his design.
Without mentioning the king of England, or giving the least intimation that he was sent by him.
Intimate
To make evident indirectly
His worn clothes intimated that he was in need of money.
Intimation
An indirect suggestion;
Not a breath of scandal ever touched her
Intimate
(Archaic) To announce; proclaim.
Intimation
A slight suggestion or vague understanding;
He had no inkling what was about to happen
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.
Intimate
; private.
An intimate setting
Intimate
Pertaining to details that require great familiarity to know.
Intimate
Very finely mixed.
Black powder consists of an intimate mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur.
Intimate
A very close friend.
Only a couple of intimates had ever read his writing.
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.
Intimate
(ambitransitive) To suggest or disclose (something) discreetly.
He intimated that we should leave before the argument escalated.
Intimate
To notify.
I will intimate you when the details are available.
Intimate
Innermost; inward; internal; deep-seated; hearty.
Intimate
Near; close; direct; thorough; complete.
He was honored with an intimate and immediate admission.
Intimate
Close in friendship or acquaintance; familiar; confidential; as, an intimate friend.
Intimate
An intimate friend or associate; a confidant.
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.
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.
Intimate
Someone to whom private matters are confided
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
How does intimation convey information?
Through indirect hints or suggestions, rather than direct statements.
Can intimate be used as a verb?
Yes, to intimate means to suggest something subtly.
Is intimation always obvious to others?
No, it often requires careful interpretation to understand the implied message.
How do intimate details differ from casual information?
Intimate details are deeply personal and private, whereas casual information is not sensitive in nature.
What makes a setting intimate?
Privacy, warmth, and a conducive atmosphere for personal interaction.
What role does trust play in sharing intimate details?
A significant role; trust is essential for sharing deeply personal information.
How can one pick up on intimations?
By being attentive to subtle cues, context, and non-verbal signals.
Can intimations be positive?
Yes, they can hint at positive outcomes or feelings as well as negative.
Are intimations always intentional?
Not always; sometimes, they can be unintentional cues picked up by others.
What does it mean when something is described as intimate?
It refers to something very personal, private, or closely connected.
Is the verb form of intimate commonly used?
Less commonly than the adjective form, but it is still used to convey the action of suggesting subtly.
Why is intimation used instead of direct communication?
To convey sensitivity, discretion, or to navigate social nuances.
What distinguishes intimate communication from general communication?
Intimate communication involves a deeper level of personal sharing and connection.
Can someone intimation be misunderstood?
Yes, since intimations are indirect, they can sometimes be misinterpreted.
How important is context in understanding an intimation?
Extremely important; the context often provides the key to interpreting the hint correctly.
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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
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
