insinuation — an unpleasant hint or suggestion about something bad
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an unpleasant hint or suggestion about something bad
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˌsɪnjuˈeɪʃən/
Example Sentences
- The politician's speech was full of insinuations about his opponent's past
- Stop making insinuations about my cooking - just say it tastes terrible!
- Her insinuation that I copied her homework was completely unfounded
insinuation
NOUN[/ɪnˌsɪnjuˈeɪʃən/]
an unpleasant hint or suggestion about something bad
Whispering unpleasant hints about someone
At the station, insinuation shakes the nation
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word derives from Latin insinuare, which combines the prefix in- (into) with sinuare (to wind or curve). The original meaning evoked the image of a snake winding its way subtly into a space, metaphorically describing the act of introducing ideas or suggestions indirectly or craftily.
Breakdown
in- (into) + sinuare (to wind, curve, bend) + -ation (noun suffix forming the action or result). The root sinuare relates to sinus (curve, fold), suggesting something that winds or curves its way forward.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The politician's speech was full of insinuations about his opponent's past”
“Stop making insinuations about my cooking - just say it tastes terrible!”
“Her insinuation that I copied her homework was completely unfounded”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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