intimacy
UK[ˈɪn.tɪ.mə.si]US[ˈɪn.tə.mə.si]
n
a state of having a close personal relationship with someone
n
things that are said or done only by people who have a close personal relationship
n
an intimate act or the state of having an intimate sexual relationship
Morpheme Breakdown
intim
acy
intim
innermost
acy
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'intimacy' traces its lineage to the latin adjective intimus, meaning 'innermost' or 'most profound,' which itself is a superlative form of inter, meaning 'within.' this etymological root conveys the concept of something deeply internal and private. entering english via french in the 17th century, the suffix '-acy' was appended to form a noun denoting a state or condition. thus, the modern abstract meaning of 'intimacy' logically evolved from the literal sense of 'innermost quality' to describe the state of profound closeness and private familiarity shared between individuals.
Analysis
Structure: intim (innermost) + acy (state or quality)
intim (from latin intimus, meaning innermost, most profound, a superlative form of inter, meaning within); acy (a noun-forming suffix of latin origin via french, indicating a state, quality, or condition).
Examples
a strong emotional intimacy developed between the two friends over the years.
she found it difficult to share such intimacies with anyone.
physical intimacy is an important part of many romantic relationships.