insinuation
[ in-sin-yoo-ey-shuh n ]
/ ɪnˌsɪn yuˈeɪ ʃən /
noun
an indirect or covert suggestion or hint, especially of a derogatory nature: She made nasty insinuations about her rivals.
covert or artful suggestion or hinting, as of something implied: His methods of insinuation are most ingenious.
subtle or artful instillment into the mind.
the art or power of stealing into the affections and pleasing; ingratiation: He made his way by flattery and insinuation.
Archaic. a slow winding, worming, or stealing in.
Obsolete. an ingratiating act or speech.
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RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
insignificant, insincere, insincerity, insinuate, insinuating, insinuation, insipid, insipidity, insipience, insipient, insist
Origin of insinuation
Related formspre·in·sin·u·a·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for insinuation
British Dictionary definitions for insinuation
insinuation
/ (ɪnˌsɪnjʊˈeɪʃən) /
noun
an indirect or devious hint or suggestion
the act or practice of insinuating
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for insinuation
insinuation
1520s, from Latin insinuationem (nominative insinuatio) "entrance through a narrow way; an ingratiating oneself," noun of action from past participle stem of insinuare (see insinuate).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper