n.
Pronunciation: ' in-t ə -m ə t
Function: adjective
Etymology: alteration of obsolete intime, from Latin intimus
Date: 1632
1 a : INTRINSIC , ESSENTIAL b : belonging to or characterizing one's deepest nature
2 : marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity < intimate knowledge of the law>
3 a : marked by a warm friendship developing through long association < intimate friends> b : suggesting informal warmth or privacy < intimate clubs>
4 : of a very personal or private nature < intimate secrets>
– in · ti · mate · ly adverb
– in · ti · mate · ness noun