ENGLISH
REFERENCE

intimate

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈɪnəmət// in·ti·mate
  1. 1 closely acquainted (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having a very close and friendly relationship with someone.

    characterised by a close personal relationship or deep familiarity.

    Example

    They have been intimate friends since they were children in primary school.

    Example

    The biography provides an intimate look at the artist's life, drawing on letters that had never been published before.
  2. 2 private or quiet (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    private and personal, or describing a place that is quiet and comfortable for a small group.

    pertaining to one's innermost feelings or describing a setting conducive to privacy and close rapport.

    Example

    The restaurant was small and intimate, perfect for a quiet conversation.

    Example

    The singer performed an intimate acoustic set for a small group of fans in a converted warehouse.
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  1. 3 sexual (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    involved in a sexual relationship.

    involved in or related to a sexual relationship; often used as a polite or formal euphemism.

    Example

    The couple admitted they were in an intimate relationship.

    Example

    The court heard evidence regarding their intimate history to determine the nature of their long-term partnership.
  2. 4 to suggest (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to suggest something in an indirect way.

    to communicate or state something in an indirect or subtle manner. Often used with a 'that' clause.

    Example

    He intimated that he might be looking for a new job soon.

    Example

    The minister intimated that a change in policy was forthcoming, though he refused to provide specific details to the press.

    Usage

    The verb is pronounced differently than the adjective, ending with a 'long A' sound like 'late'.
  3. 5 a close friend (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Formal

    a very close friend that you know extremely well.

    a person with whom one has a particularly close or private relationship.

    Example

    Only his closest intimates knew about his plans to retire early.

    Example

    The monarch rarely discussed matters of state with anyone outside a tiny circle of trusted intimates.
Etymology 1

Borrowed from Latin intimātus, the perfect passive participle of intimō (“to put or bring into, to impress, to make familiar”) (see -ate (adjective forming suffix)), from intimus (“inmost, innermost, most intimate”), superlative of intus (“within”), from in (“in”); see interior.

Etymology 2

From a substantivization of the above adjective, see -ate (noun-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more.

Etymology 3

From Latin intimātus, see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more. Cognate with French intimer.

Word family

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