What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insinuate
Example
He insinuated that I was lying, but he didn't say it outright. [insinuated: past tense verb]
Example
She insinuated herself into the conversation, trying to steer it towards her own interests. [insinuated: past participle verb]
intimate
Example
They have an intimate relationship that has lasted for years. [intimate: adjective]
Example
The movie had some intimate scenes that made me uncomfortable. [intimate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intimate is more commonly used than insinuate in everyday language, as it has a broader range of positive and neutral connotations. Insinuate is less common and is often used in negative or suspicious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insinuate and intimate?
Both insinuate and intimate can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, insinuate may be perceived as more informal due to its negative connotations, while intimate can be used in a wide range of formality levels.
