Intimation

Intimation refers to a subtle or indirect suggestion or indication of something. It's a hint or a clue, often conveying information without explicitly stating it. It can involve a slight suggestion of an idea, a feeling, or an event to come. The key element is the indirect nature of the communication, leaving some room for interpretation by the recipient. It often relies on non-verbal cues, veiled language, or symbolic representations. Intimations can be used to prepare someone for news, create suspense, or convey sensitive information without causing offense. They operate through a process of inference, allowing the receiver to understand the underlying message based on available clues rather than a direct statement.

Intimation meaning with examples

• The detective noticed a faint intimation of guilt in the suspect's evasive answers, a subtle shift in his gaze that suggested he was hiding something. It was enough to encourage further investigation, as the detective could feel he was onto something, the air thick with suspense. The intimation, however, was not proof, and only gave clues.
• Before the announcement of budget cuts, the CEO offered a vague intimation of difficult times ahead, warning that the company needed to tighten its belt. The employees, sensing the coming bad news, grew anxious, while the intimation set off a wave of rumors that fueled uncertainty throughout the company.
• The artist's brushstrokes provided an intimation of the landscape's vastness, with sweeping curves and subtle color changes that evoked a sense of the horizon. Viewers could feel the peace, as the artist was able to convey feeling through his work, without having to say anything, or even draw a picture of the horizon line.
• She sent him a coded message, an intimation of her secret love through a hidden flower arrangement, a subtle hint woven into a tapestry of symbolism. He understood its hidden meaning, based on how long he knew her. The intimation was enough for both of them.
• Reading the book's ominous prologue gave the reader an intimation of the tragedy that would unfold, foreshadowing the events to come with a sense of dread. The writer hoped to entice, while creating suspense, as this type of intimation would bring the reader in.