intimation
UK[ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃn]US[ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃn]
n
An indirect or subtle suggestion or hint about something.
n
The action of making something known indirectly or discreetly.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
tim
ation
in
in
tim
to fear
ation
Etymology
The word 'intimation' originates from the Late Latin verb 'intimare', meaning 'to make known' or 'to announce'. This verb itself was formed from the Latin prefix 'in-' (here intensifying the meaning) and the adjective 'intimus', meaning 'innermost' or 'most profound', which is the superlative of 'inter' (within). The core concept is of bringing something from the innermost part out into knowledge. Over time, the path of communication implied by 'intimare' softened from a formal announcement to a more subtle, indirect communication, leading to the modern sense of a hint or suggestion. The apparent connection to the root 'tim' (fear) is a coincidental overlap in spelling; the true etymological components are the prefix 'in-' and the root 'tim' from 'intimus'.
Analysis
Structure: in + tim + ation
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning 'in', 'into', or 'towards'.
- tim: Latin origin, from the root 'timēre', meaning 'to fear'.
- ation: Latin origin, a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process, or its result.
Examples
She gave no intimation of her plans to leave the company.
The first intimations of spring were in the air.
He spoke with a tone of intimation, suggesting there was more to the story.