intimate

¹

[ in-tuh-mit ]

adjective

1. associated in close personal relations:

   an intimate friend.

   Synonyms: dear

2. characterized by or involving warm friendship or a personally close or familiar association or feeling:

   an intimate greeting.

3. very private; closely personal:

   one's intimate affairs.

   Synonyms: secret, confidential

4. characterized by or suggesting an atmosphere conducive to privacy or intimacy; warmly cozy:

   an intimate little café where we can relax and talk.

5. (of an association, knowledge, understanding, etc.) arising from close personal connection or familiar experience.
6. engaged in or characterized by sexual relations:

   too young to handle an intimate relationship.

7. (of women's clothing) worn next to the skin, under street or outer garments:

   a store that sells intimate apparel.

8. detailed; deep:

   a more intimate analysis.

   Synonyms: profound, thorough, in-depth, exhaustive

9. showing a close union or combination of particles or elements:

   an intimate mixture.

10. inmost; deep within.
11. of, relating to, or characteristic of the inmost or essential nature; intrinsic:

    the intimate structure of an organism.

12. of, relating to, or existing in the inmost depths of the mind:

    intimate beliefs.

noun

1. an intimate friend or associate, especially a confidant.

   Synonyms: crony

intimate

²

[ in-tuh-meyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ti·mat·ed, in·ti·mat·ing.

1. to indicate or make known indirectly; hint; imply; suggest.
2. Archaic. to make known; announce.

intimate

¹

/ ˈɪntɪmɪt /

adjective

1. characterized by a close or warm personal relationship

   an intimate friend

2. deeply personal, private, or secret
3. euphemistic.
   often postpositivefoll bywith having sexual relations (with)
4. 1. postpositivefoll bywith having a deep or unusual knowledge (of)
   2. (of knowledge) deep; extensive
5. having a friendly, warm, or informal atmosphere

   an intimate nightclub

6. of or relating to the essential part or nature of something; intrinsic
7. denoting the informal second person of verbs and pronouns in French and other languages

noun

1. a close friend

intimate

²

/ ˈɪntɪˌmeɪt /

verb

1. to hint; suggest
2. to proclaim; make known

Derived Forms

• ˈintimateness, noun
• ˈintimately, adverb
• ˈintiˌmater, noun

Other Words From

• in·ti·mate·ly adverb
• in·ti·mate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimate¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin intimātus, past participle of intimāre “to announce, make known,” derivative of intimus “inmost, most intimate”; intima

Origin of intimate²

First recorded in 1530–40; from Late Latin intimātus, past participle of intimāre “to impress (upon), make known,” equivalent to intim(us) “inmost” ( intima ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of intimate¹

C17: from Latin intimus very close friend, from (adj): innermost, deepest, from intus within

Origin of intimate²

C16: from Late Latin intimāre to proclaim, from Latin intimus innermost

Synonym Study

See familiar.

See hint.

Example Sentences

“In these sobering times with looming threats to environmental protections and women’s equality, it is refreshing to see the entertainment industry’s recognition of intimacy coordinators and their important contribution to productions and to performers in intimate scenes,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

That's what gaslighting looks and feels like on an intimate level, while for Donald Trump it takes on a much more public character.

From Salon

Those good vibes continued — the hit-making, swoon-worthy duo never taking themselves too seriously despite serious songwriting chops and bona fides — for intimate co-headlining solo acoustic performances.

From Los Angeles Times

The environment of a typical studio is quieter and more intimate than a bustling gym.

From Los Angeles Times

“We spent the night, we did drugs together and something intimate happened,” Paiz said, noting that while he stuck to weed, Payne was allegedly doing cocaine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confidential
• detailed
• firsthand
• in-depth
• penetrating
• profound
• visceral