hint
0 antonyms and opposites of hint, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A small clue or suggestion that helps someone understand or guess something.
How to use hint
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English henten ("to seize, grasp"), related to "hunt."
Full origin of hint →Frequently asked questions
What does “hint” mean?
The word “hint” means a small clue or suggestion that helps someone understand or guess something. In plain terms, a small clue you give or notice, or the act of suggesting something without saying it directly.
How do you pronounce “hint”?
“Hint” is pronounced hihnt (/hɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “hint” in a sentence?
Here is “hint” used in a sentence: “She gave me a hint about what he was getting for his birthday.”
What part of speech is “hint”?
Depending on how it is used, “hint” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hint” come from?
The word “hint” comes from Middle English. From Middle English henten ("to seize, grasp"), related to "hunt.".
Is “hint” a common word?
“Hint” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “hint” have?
“Hint” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small clue or suggestion that helps someone understand or guess something.
What is the difference between a hint and a clue?
Both help someone reach an answer, but a clue is usually a piece of evidence found in a situation, such as a mystery or a puzzle, while a hint is a small suggestion deliberately given by a person. In short, you find clues, but people drop hints.
Do you say "hint at" or "hint about" something?
The standard collocation is "hint at": "She hinted at major changes." Hint can also be followed directly by a that-clause, as in "He hinted that he might resign"; "hint about" is heard in casual speech, but "hint at" is far more common in edited writing.
What do "drop a hint" and "take a hint" mean?
To drop a hint is to suggest something indirectly rather than saying it outright, and to take a hint is to notice and act on that indirect suggestion. The second phrase often appears in the negative — "he just can't take a hint" — meaning someone fails to pick up on an obvious signal.