# hint

/ˈhɪnt/ (US) · /hˈɪnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hint
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a clue

noun · CEFR B1

a small piece of information that helps you solve a puzzle or find an answer.

For teachers: a piece of information that serves as a clue or provides assistance in solving a problem or mystery.

- If you can't guess the password, I can give you a little hint.
- The crossword puzzle was exceptionally difficult, but the cryptic hint for seven-across eventually led me to the correct answer.

### 2. an indirect suggestion

noun · CEFR B2

something you say or do to suggest an idea without saying it directly.

For teachers: an indirect or implicit suggestion intended to be understood without a direct statement.

- He dropped a hint that he wanted a new watch for his birthday.
- She dropped several subtle hints about her dissatisfaction with the project, hoping the manager would intervene without a formal complaint being filed.

### 3. a tiny amount

noun · CEFR B2

a very small amount of something, like a taste, smell, or colour.

For teachers: a very slight trace or barely perceptible amount of a quality or substance.

- The sauce has a hint of garlic, but it isn't too strong.
- The wine was crisp and dry, finishing with a delicate hint of green apple and toasted oak on the palate.

### 4. computing instruction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a special instruction given to a computer program to help it work better.

For teachers: a suggestion or instruction provided to a database engine or compiler to optimise query execution or resource allocation.

- The developer added a hint to the database query to make it run faster.
- By using a join hint, the database administrator forced the optimiser to use a specific index, significantly reducing the execution time of the report.

### 5. to suggest indirectly

verb · CEFR B2

to suggest something without saying it in a clear or direct way.

For teachers: to suggest or indicate something indirectly or covertly. Often used with the preposition 'at'.

- The clouds are dark, which might hint at a storm coming later.
- The CEO hinted at the possibility of a merger during the press conference, though she refused to provide any specific details to the reporters.

Usage: Commonly used with 'at' when the suggestion is indirect.

### 6. pay attention

interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal

a word you say to show that you just gave someone a secret suggestion.

For teachers: used to signal that a previous remark was intended as a suggestion or should be heeded. Often repeated for emphasis.

- I'm really hungry and the fridge is empty. Hint, hint.
- It would be lovely if someone helped with the dishes—hint, hint—before the guests arrive for the evening.

## Examples

- He gave me a hint to help me solve the puzzle.
- The chef added a hint of lemon to the sauce to balance the heavy cream.
- Although she refused to state her intentions directly, her constant references to the coast provided a strong hint about where she planned to move.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.