insinuation
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.”
How to use insinuation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sly, indirect hint, especially one that implies something bad about someone.
Word forms
- Plural
- insinuations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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").