Definition and pronunciation
be intimate — a polite, often euphemistic phrase meaning to share close affection or closeness; in many contexts it specifically implies sexual activity between consenting adults.
Pronounced /biː ˈɪn.t̬ə.mət/ (bee IN-tuh-mit).
Easy explanation
Be intimate can mean two things. It can mean be very close emotionally (share feelings, trust, affection). It can also be a polite way to say “have sex.” Context tells you which meaning is intended.
Part of speech and grammar
- Structure: be + adjective (am/is/are/was/were + intimate).
- Progressive/gerund: being intimate (We’re not being intimate right now).
- With objects: commonly followed by with + person (She is intimate with her partner).
- Nouns: intimacy (emotional or physical), intimate partner/relationship.
- Do not confuse with the verb intimate /ˈɪn.t̬əˌmeɪt/ (“to hint or suggest”), which is unrelated in meaning and pronunciation.
Register and tone
Neutral to warm and respectful. In the sexual sense it’s discreet/euphemistic rather than crude. Suitable for healthcare, education, and professional contexts where blunt terms would be inappropriate.
Connection to sexuality
Often, yes. Be intimate (with someone) frequently means to have sex. It can also describe nonsexual closeness (cuddling, deep conversation, emotional bonding). Writers sometimes add physically or emotionally to clarify.
Common collocations
- be intimate with [someone]
- be physically intimate / be emotionally intimate
- become intimate, grow intimate
- intimate relationship, intimate partner
- build intimacy, seek intimacy, share intimacy
- intimate partner violence (IPV) in legal/health contexts
Idioms and set phrases
- be intimate with someone — either sexual or deep personal closeness.
- intimate relationship — a romantic partnership with emotional and often sexual closeness.
- intimate knowledge of — non-personal sense meaning “deeply familiar with” (e.g., an intimate knowledge of the law).
Prepositions and nuance
- with [someone] — names the partner; may imply sex: They’ve been intimate with each other.
- about [topic] — usually with the noun: share intimate details about childhood (emotional disclosure, not sex).
- between [people] — focuses on mutual closeness: intimacy between partners grew over time.
- to [something] — rare/old-fashioned (“inherent in”): qualities intimate to the craft (not about relationships).
- be intimate with [subject] — “well-acquainted with” (formal, nonsexual): She is intimate with appellate procedure.
Word comparisons
- have sex / sleep with — direct, neutral for sexual activity.
- make love — romantic; emphasizes tenderness.
- hook up — casual encounter; social slang, not necessarily ongoing closeness.
- be close / bond — purely emotional, nonsexual.
- affectionate — outward warmth; may or may not be sexual.
Real-life examples
- They aren’t ready to be intimate yet; they’re focusing on trust and communication.
- In the survey, 62% said they were physically intimate once a week.
- The counselor asked whether the couple felt emotionally intimate despite stress at work.
- The report used the term “intimate partner” to cover spouses and long-term partners.
- She is intimate with the case files after two years on the team (nonsexual, “very familiar with”).
Sample sentences
- We decided not to be intimate until we’d talked about boundaries and consent.
- They grew intimate during the long-distance phase, sharing fears and hopes every night.
- The script used “be intimate” as a discreet way to imply a sex scene without showing it.
- Therapists often distinguish being emotionally intimate from being physically intimate.
- He’s intimate with the software’s internals after writing half the code base.
Synonyms
have sex, sleep with, make love, be physically close, be affectionate, be close, bond, connect deeply, share intimacy
Antonyms
be distant, be aloof, be detached, remain platonic, abstain, practice celibacy
Related terms
intimacy, intimate partner, intimate relationship, emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, affection, closeness, vulnerability, boundaries, consent, trust, companionship
Notes and etiquette
- Add physically or emotionally when clarity matters.
- Use be intimate in sensitive or professional contexts; avoid crude slang.
- Always center consent, boundaries, and mutual respect when discussing intimacy.
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