Insinuate
/ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/
verbC1
Definition
Insinuate means to say or show something in a quiet or secret way, usually to make people think something negative without directly stating it. It often involves hints or suggestions that can cause doubt or suspicion about someone or something.
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See It in Action
To suggest something bad or doubtful without saying it directly
- •She insinuated that he was lying without saying it straight.
- •The article insinuates that the company is hiding important information.
- •He insinuated that she might not be honest, but he never said it clearly.
To introduce or become part of something in a slow or secret way (less common)
- •The idea insinuated itself into the conversation gradually.
- •New habits insinuated their way into his daily routine.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "insinuate" like "say," but quieter and less clear—it's like whispering a secret instead of speaking out loud.
- ✓Picture someone slowly putting a small, hidden note into your hand without others seeing—it’s a secret message.
- ✓It feels like when someone looks at you strangely and says something that makes you wonder if they don’t trust you.
- ✓Sounds like "in-SIN-you-ate" → imagine someone putting a tiny "sin" (bad thing) inside a conversation without saying it openly.
- ✓Think of mystery stories where characters drop hints about others without saying the truth directly.
- ✓NOT like "tell" (clear and direct)—insinuate is indirect and sometimes sneaky.
- ✓NOT like "accuse" (directly say someone did something wrong)—insinuate is more like suggesting it quietly or with hints.
Try Other Words
- •Imply: to show or express something without saying it directly (Use when the meaning is not clear but understood)
- •Hint: to say something in a small or secret way (Use when the suggestion is very small or indirect)
- •Allude: to mention something without talking about it directly (Use in formal or literary contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (into, inside) + root "sinus" (Latin for curve or fold, here meaning to creep in) + suffix "-ate" (verb ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "insinuare," meaning to wind into or creep in slowly
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe moving slowly and carefully into a place, later used for introducing ideas or feelings in a subtle way
- •Modern usage: Mostly used to describe a way of speaking that hints at something negative without direct accusation
Reflect & Connect
•How can insinuating be more powerful or dangerous than directly saying something?
•Have you ever felt someone insinuated something about you? How did it make you feel?
Fill in the blanks
1.When she said that, she seemed to insinuate ___ without actually saying it.
2.People often insinuate things to avoid ___ or conflict.
3.Unlike a direct accusation, to insinuate means to suggest ___ in a quiet way.
4.He tried to insinuate doubt into the conversation by ___ certain facts.
5.The politician insinuated ___ about his opponent without clear proof.
6.Insinuate is often used with words like "that" or "suggest" to ___ something negative.
7.When someone insinuates, they usually do it ___, not openly or loudly.