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

Yet as a wife, she rejects physical intimacy.

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Others are overturning long-held ideas about the ideal frequency for physical intimacy.

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Liniker has long been clear that she wants to be known first as a musician, whose artistry is rooted in love, intimacy and desire.

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“A poem can rinse, reflect and reveal us / I give thanks for the intimacy of planting poems / the living that brings poems into being,” monet read.

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I’ve experienced it all, and we are grateful for the opportunities to play stadiums, but I do like the smaller shows more, for the intensity and the intimacy of being so close to the audience.

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Related Words

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