Inkling

Pronunciation: /ˈɪŋklɪŋ/

Definitions of inkling

noun a slight indication or suggestion

Example Sentences

A1 I had no inkling that you were coming to visit.

A2 She had an inkling that something was wrong when he didn't show up.

B1 The detective had a slight inkling that the suspect was lying.

B2 After hearing the rumors, she had a strong inkling that changes were coming to the company.

C1 His inkling proved to be correct when they found evidence of fraud in the company.

C2 Despite having only a small inkling, she was able to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.

Examples of inkling in a Sentence

formal She had no inkling of the company's financial troubles until it was too late.

informal I didn't have an inkling that they were planning a surprise party for me.

slang I had a sneaky inkling that he was up to something fishy.

figurative The first drops of rain were just an inkling of the storm that was about to come.

Grammatical Forms of inkling

• past tense: inkled
• plural: inklings
• comparative: more inkling
• superlative: most inkling
• present tense: inkle
• future tense: will inkling
• perfect tense: have inkled
• continuous tense: is inkling
• singular: inkling
• positive degree: inkling
• infinitive: to inkling
• gerund: inkling
• participle: inkling

Origin and Evolution of inkling

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'inkling' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'incling' meaning a slight suspicion or hint.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'inkling' has retained its original meaning of a slight indication or suggestion, but has also come to be used more broadly to refer to a vague idea or understanding.