I. ˈin-tə-ˌmāt transitive verb
( -mat·ed ; -mat·ing )
Etymology: Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare to put in, announce, from Latin intimus innermost, superlative of Old Latin * interus inward — more at interior
Date: 1522
1. : to make known especially publicly or formally : announce
2. : to communicate delicately and indirectly : hint
Synonyms: see suggest
• in·ti·mat·er noun
• in·ti·ma·tion ˌin-tə-ˈmā-shən noun
II. ˈin-tə-mət 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
III. ˈin-tə-mət noun
Date: 1659
: an intimate friend or confidant