Word of the Day - 03/30/26
intimation
/,ɪntʌ'meɪʃʌn/(n.): an indication or hint
Through a subtle comment, she gave an intimation that she might be leaving the project soon.
Word Origin
The word 'intimation' originates from the Latin noun 'intimatio', which means 'a making known'. This term is derived from the Latin verb 'intimare', meaning 'to impress, make known, announce, or hint'. 'Intimare' itself comes from 'intimus', which is the superlative form of 'interus', meaning 'inmost' or 'innermost'. Thus, an intimation conveys something subtly made known from within or a deep feeling or hint. The word can be broken down as 'intimus' (inmost) + '-atio' (suffix forming nouns of action).
Words with similar origins include 'intimate' (both the verb and the adjective), which comes directly from the same Latin roots 'intimare' and 'intimus'. 'Internal' and 'interior' also share a related Latin root, 'interus', meaning 'inward'.