Definition and Pronunciation
Intimate (pronounced /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/ when used as an adjective or noun, and /ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪt/ when used as a verb) has several meanings:
- Adjective: closely personal, private, or affectionate. It may describe relationships, knowledge, or physical closeness.
- Noun: a close friend or companion.
- Verb: to hint or suggest something indirectly.
Easy Explanation
Intimate means very close and personal. It can describe close friendships, romantic or sexual relationships, or private details. As a verb, it means to carefully suggest something without saying it directly.
Grammatical Formation
- Part of speech: Adjective, noun, verb
- Derived from Latin intimus meaning “inmost” or “most within.”
Word Comparisons
- Intimate vs. Close: Close is general, while intimate suggests deeper privacy or emotional/sexual closeness.
- Intimate vs. Romantic: Romantic is linked to love, while intimate can mean love, sex, or just deep friendship.
- Intimate vs. Personal: Personal is broad; intimate suggests something very private or sensitive.
Connotations
Intimate often carries positive connotations of warmth, affection, and trust. It can also suggest secrecy or vulnerability. In sexual contexts, it implies physical closeness or intercourse.
Prepositional Usage
- Intimate with: used for close familiarity, often sexual (e.g., She became intimate with him).
- Intimate details of: personal or private knowledge (e.g., the intimate details of someone’s life).
- An intimate of: a close friend (e.g., an intimate of the president).
Real-Life Examples
- They share an intimate friendship built on trust.
- The book reveals intimate details about the artist’s life.
- She intimated that she might leave her job soon.
Synonyms
close, personal, familiar, confidential, private, affectionate, sexual, cherished, dear
Antonyms
distant, impersonal, detached, public, formal
Related Terms
intimacy, private, secret, closeness, affection
Common Collocations
intimate relationship, intimate friend, intimate setting, intimate details, intimate knowledge, intimate encounter
Idiomatic/Figurative Usage
- Be on intimate terms with: to know someone very well.
- Intimate circle: a small group of close friends.
Sample Sentences
- They enjoyed an intimate dinner by candlelight.
- He is an intimate of the royal family.
- She intimated her disagreement without saying it directly.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, intimate is commonly linked to sexuality. It is often used as a discreet way to describe sexual closeness, encounters, or relationships. For example, intimate relationship usually implies a sexual bond, though it can also mean deep emotional closeness without sex.
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