What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indirectness
Example
She used indirectness to avoid hurting his feelings. [indirectness: noun]
Example
He spoke with indirectness, hoping to soften the blow of his criticism. [indirectness: noun]
hinting
Example
She was hinting at a surprise party for his birthday. [hinting: verb]
Example
He gave her a hint about the answer to the riddle. [hint: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indirectness is more commonly used than hinting in everyday language. Indirectness is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while hinting is more specific and often used in social situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indirectness and hinting?
Both indirectness and hinting are associated with informal communication styles. However, indirectness can be used in formal contexts, such as business or academic writing, while hinting is generally considered too informal for formal settings.
