# intimate

/ˈɪnəmət/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. closely acquainted

adjective · CEFR B2

having a very close and friendly relationship with someone.

For teachers: characterised by a close personal relationship or deep familiarity.

- They have been intimate friends since they were children in primary school.
- The biography provides an intimate look at the artist's life, drawing on letters that had never been published before.

### 2. private or quiet

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The restaurant was small and intimate, perfect for a quiet conversation.
- The singer performed an intimate acoustic set for a small group of fans in a converted warehouse.

### 3. sexual

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

involved in a sexual relationship.

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

- The couple admitted they were in an intimate relationship.
- The court heard evidence regarding their intimate history to determine the nature of their long-term partnership.

### 4. to suggest

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to suggest something in an indirect way.

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

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

### 5. a close friend

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

a very close friend that you know extremely well.

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

- Only his closest intimates knew about his plans to retire early.
- The monarch rarely discussed matters of state with anyone outside a tiny circle of trusted intimates.

## Examples

- She only shares her true feelings with a few close intimates.
- The retired professor preferred the company of his old intimates over the loud crowds at university parties.
- The biography draws heavily on private letters sent to the author's circle of intimates, revealing a vulnerability that was never apparent in his public speeches.

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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.