insinuating

[ in-sin-yoo-ey-ting ]

/ ɪnˈsɪn yuˌeɪ tɪŋ /

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tending to instill doubts, distrust, etc.; suggestive: an insinuating letter.

gaining favor or winning confidence by artful means: an insinuating manner.

QUIZZES

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

First recorded in 1585–95; insinuate + -ing²

in·sin·u·at·ing·ly, adverbhalf-in·sin·u·at·ing, adjectivehalf-in·sin·u·at·ing·ly, adverbpre·in·sin·u·at·ing·ly, adverb

un·in·sin·u·at·ing, adjective

The baby two seats ahead leaned over toward her insinuatingly, and made her think of the baby and the clothes-pins.
Harper's Round Table, June 4, 1895|Various
She did insinuatingly ask Wilbur what his favourite flower was, but this got her nowhere, because it proved that he did not know.
The Wrong Twin|Harry Leon Wilson
"Perhaps, Monsieur had better lie down again now and sleep awhile," said Picard insinuatingly.
The Forest of Swords|Joseph A. Altsheler
"But if you are going to Belden—" Specs began insinuatingly.
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High|Leslie W. Quirk

It will make a scandal, said the money-lender insinuatingly.
The Best Policy|Elliott Flower