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REFERENCE

hinted

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɪnɪd// UK //hˈɪntɪd// hint·ed

v. suggested something in an indirect way without saying it clearly. You do this when you want someone to guess what you mean.

v. suggested something indirectly or gave a slight indication of a fact or intention. The past tense of 'hint'; often followed by a prepositional phrase or a 'that' clause.


SIMPLE

She hinted that she wanted a new watch for her birthday.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager hinted at upcoming changes to the team structure during the morning meeting.

COMPLEX

Although the report never explicitly blamed the board, it hinted at a systemic failure to monitor the company's internal financial controls over several years.

Synonyms
Usage

Often takes the preposition 'at' when followed by a noun, or functions as a reporting verb followed by a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

he hinted me about the secrethe hinted to me about the secretThe verb 'hint' is intransitive regarding the person being informed; it requires the preposition 'to' before the indirect object.

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