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noun

insinuation

ihn-sihn-yoo-AY-shuhn

Insinuation (noun) means an indirect hint or suggestion, usually implying something unflattering. Example: “She was hurt by the insinuation that she hadn't worked hard for her promotion.”

noun
1
An indirect hint or suggestion, usually implying something unflattering.
"She was hurt by the insinuation that she hadn't worked hard for her promotion."
"His speech was full of insinuations he never quite spelled out."

How to Use Insinuation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sly, indirect hint, especially one that implies something bad about someone.

Common pairings
veiled insinuation deny the insinuation

Word Forms

insinuations plural

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Fill the Gap

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She was hurt by the _____ that she hadn't worked hard for her promotion.

Etymology

From Latin insinuatio, from insinuare ("to push in, creep in").

Origin: Latin

innuendo ingratiation

Related Words

Rhymes for insinuation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “insinuation” mean?

The word “insinuation” means an indirect hint or suggestion, usually implying something unflattering. In plain terms, a sly, indirect hint, especially one that implies something bad about someone.

How do you pronounce “insinuation”?

“Insinuation” is pronounced ihn-sihn-yoo-AY-shuhn (/ɪnˌsɪnjuˈeɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “insinuation” in a sentence?

Here is “insinuation” used in a sentence: “She was hurt by the insinuation that she hadn't worked hard for her promotion.”

What part of speech is “insinuation”?

“Insinuation” is a noun.

Where does the word “insinuation” come from?

The word “insinuation” comes from Latin. From Latin insinuatio, from insinuare ("to push in, creep in").

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