Basic Details
Word: Insinuate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To suggest something in a clever or indirect way, often something negative.
Synonyms: Imply, hint, suggest
Antonyms: Declare, state, assert
Idioms and Phrases
- Insinuate yourself into something: To gradually become involved in a situation, often in a sneaky way. Example: "He managed to insinuate himself into the group by pretending to share their interests."
- Insinuate doubts: To subtly introduce uncertainty about something. Example: "She began to insinuate doubts about his honesty that made everyone question his intentions."
Usage Examples
Example 1: During the meeting, she tried to insinuate that her colleague was not fit for the job without saying it directly.
Example 2: His tone seemed to insinuate that he didnt believe the story we told.
Example 3: It wasnt polite to insinuate that someone was lying without evidence to back it up.
Fun Fact
The word "insinuate" comes from the Latin word "insinuare," which means "to introduce by a subtle way." It highlights how the word has always been associated with indirect suggestions and subtlety.
Famous Quote
"To insinuate is to be less than clear, and to be less than clear is often to be disingenuous." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "insinuate" mean?
a) To declare loudly
b) To suggest something indirectly
c) To argue passionately
d) To clear a doubt
Answer: b) To suggest something indirectly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "insinuate"?
a) Declare
b) Imply
c) State
d) Assert
Answer: b) Imply
3. Which word is an antonym of "insinuate"?
a) Hint
b) Imply
c) Declare
d) Suggest
Answer: c) Declare
4. Which sentence uses "insinuate" correctly?
a) She didnt want to insinuate but made her point very clear.
b) He managed to insinuate his ideas into the project.
c) The teacher will insinuate our grades in the next class.
d) They will insinuate the event happening this weekend.
Answer: b) He managed to insinuate his ideas into the project.
5. Which idiom means the same as "insinuate yourself into something"?
a) Fit into the framework
b) Sneak into the party
c) Get a foot in the door
d) Like a wolf in sheep's clothing
Answer: c) Get a foot in the door
