English vocabulary · C2
Insinuate
/ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/ · v.
To insinuate is to make someone think something bad without saying it clearly. You make the other person guess what you mean.
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Example sentences
- Don't insinuate I cheat at cards.
- He insinuated she had lied.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — in (from Latin)
- sinu — curve (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- IMPLY — suggest without saying clearly (Meaning beyond the words)
- HINT — suggest with a clue (Give a small clue)
- SUGGEST — put an idea forward (Make an idea possible)
Words with the same root
sinu — curve
- sinus — an air space inside your face
- sinuous — curving from side to side
Lesson notes
To insinuate is to make someone think something bad without saying it clearly. You make the other person guess what you mean.
Related: imply, hint, suggest. Use insinuate when blame stays hidden.
Don't insinuate I cheat at cards. He insinuated she had lied.
From Latin. In- means in. Sinu- means curve. Words curve in toward blame when you insinuate.