intimacy

American  

[in-tuh-muh-see] / ˈɪn tə mə si /

noun

plural

intimacies

1. the state of being intimate.

2. a close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.

   Synonyms:

   affection, warmth, familiarity, closeness

3. a close association with or detailed knowledge or deep understanding of a place, subject, period of history, etc..

   an intimacy with Japan.

4. an act or expression serving as a token of familiarity, affection, or the like.

   to allow the intimacy of using first names.

5. an amorously familiar act; liberty.

6. sexual intercourse.

7. the quality of being comfortable, warm, or familiar.

   the intimacy of the room.

8. privacy, especially as suitable to the telling of a secret.

   in the intimacy of his studio.

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intimacy British  

/ ˈɪntɪməsɪ /

noun

1. close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship

2. euphemistic (often plural) sexual relations

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Etymology

Origin of intimacy

First recorded in 1635–45; intim(ate) ¹ + -acy

Example Sentences

Initially they rekindle a genial intimacy over art, meals and the city’s beauty.

From Los Angeles Times

Paradise Factory now bills itself as “bringing the rigor of theatrical discipline to the process of cinematic art, and bringing the intimacy and immediacy of the cinema into theatrical performance art.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Maybe if it’s an actual date,” she explains as to why the intimacy of her show spotlights the real Amelia less than the glare of the awards-season spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times

Physical intimacy is not the obstacle, emotional intimacy is.

From Salon

Breakfast television affords its presenters a special sense of intimacy with their audience, with segments often focusing on human-interest stories.

From BBC

Related Words

• affection
• confidence
• confidentiality
• familiarity
• friendship
• understanding