Intimations

Intimations refer to subtle hints, suggestions, or indirect indications of something, often something negative or foreboding. They are not explicit statements but rather veiled clues that allow one to anticipate or suspect something without full certainty. These suggestive whispers can be conveyed through various means, including words, actions, expressions, or even a general atmosphere. The presence of intimations can create a sense of unease or anticipation, leaving the recipient to interpret the underlying message and consider its potential consequences. Understanding intimations requires careful observation, interpretation, and the ability to read between the lines, as the meaning often remains implicit rather than directly stated. The strength of an intimation lies in its suggestive power, planting a seed of awareness without definitive proof. The receiver must then rely on their understanding to discern the truth.

Intimations meaning with examples

• The unsettling silence and nervous glances of the staff offered intimations that something was amiss within the company, although no official announcement had been made. The employees' unease and evasive actions spoke volumes, painting a picture of hidden issues and brewing discontent. The lack of transparency regarding the recent projects offered a dark underbelly to any assumptions one could come to.
• During the investigation, the detective picked up on subtle intimations from the suspect's body language; their reluctance to meet her gaze and their trembling hands provided clues about the truth. The person's inconsistent storytelling was at first subtle, but after the first interview it quickly became apparent that the account was not reliable. This evidence started to confirm suspicions of the subject's complicity, even though the subject denied the claims.
• Reading between the lines of the cryptic letter from her estranged friend, Sarah discovered some intimations of regret. The sender alluded to the past but had never fully explained how they were feeling. Through their limited words, she sensed a desire for reconciliation. Her imagination created many reasons for this, including the friend's failing health. The writer was using the letter as a soft approach to reconciliation.
• The ominous music and flickering candlelight in the haunted house provided intimations of the supernatural, creating a heightened sense of fear. The sounds and lights were only there to frighten those going through the house. While a small touch, the house was successful in creating a spooky atmosphere through the use of the light and sound. These signals acted as cues to create the desired atmosphere.
• The recurring dream, filled with fragmented images of the upcoming financial issues, served as early intimations of impending economic instability. The dreams, filled with abstract images, provided early insight. The dreams offered a peek into the issues that the character was to deal with. Her subconscious gave her a hint of the difficult times to come.