insinuate
UK[ɪnˈsɪn.ju.eɪt]US[ɪnˈsɪn.ju.eɪt]
v
to suggest, without being direct, that something unpleasant is true
v
to gradually gain someone's love, trust, etc., by dishonest means
Morpheme Breakdown
in
sinu
ate
in
in, into
sinu
curve, fold, hollow
ate
Etymology
the word 'insinuate' originates from the latin verb 'insinuare', meaning 'to wind one's way into, to introduce tortuously or subtly'. this verb itself is composed of 'in-' (into) and 'sinus' (a curve, fold, or hollow). the literal image is of something progressing by following a winding, indirect, or curved path. over time, this physical sense evolved metaphorically into the modern abstract meanings: to introduce an idea indirectly (as if along a winding path) or to ingratiate oneself into favor through subtle, often devious, means.
Analysis
Structure: in + sinu + ate
in- (latin prefix, meaning 'in, into'); sinu (latin root, from 'sinus', meaning 'curve, fold, hollow'); -ate (latin suffix, forming verbs)
Examples
he seemed to insinuate that i had made a mistake.
she managed to insinuate herself into the influential social circle.
the article insinuates a connection between the two events without providing proof.