I. ˈhint noun
Etymology: probably alteration of obsolete hent act of seizing, from hent, verb
Date: 1604
1. archaic : opportunity , turn
2.
a. : a statement conveying by implication what it is preferred not to say explicitly
b. : an indirect or summary suggestion
helpful hint s
3. : a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : clue
4. : a very small amount : suggestion
with just a hint of spice
II. verb
Date: 1648
transitive verb
: to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly
a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint
intransitive verb
: to give a hint — usually used with at
hint at the answer
Synonyms: see suggest
• hint·er noun