What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insinuative
Example
She had an insinuative way of speaking that made it hard to tell what she really meant. [insinuative: adjective]
Example
He insinuated that he knew more than he was letting on. [insinuated: past tense verb]
intimating
Example
She was intimating that she didn't like the idea without saying it outright. [intimating: present participle verb]
Example
He gave me a look that was intimating that he wanted to talk to me alone. [intimating: gerund noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intimating is more commonly used than insinuative in everyday language. Intimating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insinuative is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insinuative and intimating?
Insinuative may be considered more formal or literary than intimating, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
