intimacy

[in-tuh-muh-see]

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.

intimacy

/ ˈɪntɪməsɪ /

noun

1. close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship

2. euphemistic,  (often plural) sexual relations

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimacy¹

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

Example Sentences

These are all accomplished, beautiful works, but what stands out about Fra Angelico’s painting is its focus on the two main figures, and the intimacy and intensity of their exchange.

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Details of the prints reveal Goya’s hand—alternately frenetic, delicate and weighty—with fresh intimacy.

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There’s a levity to it, but also a profound intimacy.

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The pair had already discussed intimacy with a chronic condition, egg freezing and other "unsexy topics".

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Booker organisers described Flesh as "a meditation on class, power, intimacy, migration and masculinity", and called it "a compelling portrait of one man, and the formative experiences that can reverberate across a lifetime".

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Related Words

• affection 
• confidence 
• confidentiality www.thesaurus.com
• familiarity 
• friendship 
• understanding