Hint
/hɪnt/
nounverbA2
Definition
A hint is a small sign, clue, or suggestion that helps you understand something without saying it clearly. When you hint, you give a small or indirect message to help someone guess or know something without telling them directly.
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See It in Action
A small or indirect piece of information or clue
- •She gave me a hint about the surprise party.
- •The teacher dropped a hint about the test questions.
- •There was a hint of sadness in his voice.
To give a small or indirect suggestion
- •He hinted that he wanted help without asking directly.
- •Can you hint where you hid the keys?
- •She hinted at her plans without saying them openly.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hint" like "clue" (A1 word), but smaller and less clear—like a tiny piece of a puzzle
- ✓Picture a friend smiling and looking at a gift without saying what it is—that smile is a hint
- ✓It's the feeling when someone wants you to guess something without telling you directly, like a secret
- ✓Sounds like "hint" → imagine someone gently pointing with their finger to a hidden treasure, but not showing it fully
- ✓Think of detective stories where small hints help find the answer step by step
- ✓NOT like "tell" (clear and direct), a hint is quiet and indirect, like a whisper instead of a shout
- ✓NOT like "explain" (giving full information), a hint gives only a small part to help you figure out the rest
Try Other Words
- •Suggestion: an idea or advice given indirectly (Use when the information is more about advice or ideas)
- •Tip: a small piece of helpful information (Use when giving practical advice or help)
- •Clue: a fact or object that helps solve a problem (Use when you want a stronger or clearer sign)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) root word "hint"
- •Etymology: From Old English "hynt" meaning a sign or indication
- •Historical development: Used since early English to mean a small sign or signal to help understanding
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in everyday speech for small suggestions or clues, both as noun and verb
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide when to give a hint instead of telling someone directly?
•Can hints sometimes cause confusion? When might that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave a hint ___ where the lost ring might be hidden.
2.When you want someone to guess, you can ___ at the answer without saying it.
3.A hint is different from a full explanation because it only gives ___ information.
4.Sometimes people use a hint to be polite and not ___ the whole truth.
5.The teacher dropped a hint ___ the test to help students prepare.
6.If there is no hint, it can be ___ to find the answer.
7.He hinted ___ he was unhappy without saying it clearly.