Insinuate

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɪn.ju.eɪt/

Definitions of insinuate

verb to suggest or hint in an indirect or subtle manner

Example Sentences

A1 She insinuated that she didn't like the new teacher.

A2 He insinuated that he knew more than he was letting on.

B1 The politician insinuated that his opponent was involved in illegal activities.

B2 The detective insinuated that the suspect had a motive for the crime.

C1 The journalist insinuated that the company was involved in corruption.

C2 The lawyer insinuated that the witness had been coached to lie.

Examples of insinuate in a Sentence

formal He did not directly accuse her, but he did insinuate that she may have been involved.

informal I didn't want to come right out and say it, but I had to insinuate that he was lying.

slang She was trying to insinuate that she was the one who came up with the idea, but we all knew the truth.

figurative The dark clouds insinuate that a storm is approaching.

Grammatical Forms of insinuate

• past tense: insinuated
• plural: insinuates
• comparative: more insinuating
• superlative: most insinuating
• present tense: insinuates
• future tense: will insinuate
• perfect tense: has insinuated
• continuous tense: is insinuating
• singular: insinuate
• positive degree: insinuate
• infinitive: to insinuate
• gerund: insinuating
• participle: insinuated

Origin and Evolution of insinuate

First Known Use: 1529 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'insinuate' originated from the Latin word 'insinuare', which means 'to introduce gently or slyly'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'insinuate' has evolved to also mean 'to suggest or hint at something in an indirect and subtle manner'.