Can someone help me out here? I’m not seeing the difference (which is why I don’t use “intimate”).
Thanks.
I believe the denotation is the same; they are synonyms. IMHO “intimate” usually carries a negative connotation, such as when implying something that is offensive or insulting to the listener.
Well that would be a distinction, thanks.
“To intimate” is to make someone familiar with something; it does not preclude direct statement, but it usually means some indirect method is being used.
“To imply” is to pass knowledge indirectly or by forcing a particular conclusion. It is usually limited to a single fact or conclusion (i.e. an implication).
For example, you imply your boss is a jerk, but you intimate your feelings about your boss.
While we’re here, can I get a ruling on “insinuate”?
I’ll suggest that an ‘implication’ is just a deduction that can be made. Positive, negative or neutral.
‘Insinuation’ often has devious intent.
I don’t think this is correct at all.
“Imply” means that you’re not saying it directly.
“Intimate” means that you’re saying something privately or confidentially (it could be direct or indirect).
FWIW, I’ve never associated “intimate” with any sort of negative connotation.
This is to introduce something gradually or subtlely; it differs from “imply” because it is not limited to strictly deducible conclusions, and it differs from “intimate” in the subtle/gradual method only. There is also the fact that “insinuate” can be applied to things other than abstract thoughts/ideas (e.g. a person can insinuate themselves into a conversation), whereas “imply” and “infer” always take thoughts/beliefs/feeelings and the like as the object of their action.
Subtleties and complications commonly lead people to believe treachery is afoot, so insinuate often has an insidious connotation.