What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hinting
Example
She was hinting that she wanted to go out for dinner. [hinting: verb]
Example
He dropped a hint about the surprise party, hoping she would catch on. [hint: noun]
insinuating
Example
He was insinuating that she had cheated on the test. [insinuating: verb]
Example
The article was full of insinuations about the politician's personal life. [insinuation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hinting is more commonly used than insinuating in everyday language. Hinting is a common way of suggesting something without stating it directly, while insinuating is less common and is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hinting and insinuating?
Insinuating is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while hinting is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
