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Definition of Insinuate
1. Verb. Introduce or insert (oneself) in a subtle manner. "He insinuated himself into the conversation of the people at the nearby table"
2. Verb. Give to understand. "They insinuate that there was a traffic accident "; "I insinuated that I did not like his wife"
Generic synonyms: Hint, Suggest
Derivative terms: Insinuation, Intimation
Definition of Insinuate
1. v. t. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement.
2. v. i. To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices.
Definition of Insinuate
1. Verb. (rare) to creep, wind, or flow into; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices ¹
2. Verb. (figurative of the above) to ingratiate; to obtain access to or introduce something by subtle, cunning or artful means ¹
3. Verb. to hint; to suggest tacitly and avoid a direct statement ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Insinuate
1. [v -ATED, -ATING, -ATES]
Medical Definition of Insinuate
1. 1. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement. "The water easily insinuates itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables." (Woodward) 2. To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill. "All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead the judgment." (Locke) "Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts." (Dryden) 3. To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; often used derogatorily; as, did you mean to insinuate anything? 4. To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; used reflexively. "He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham." (Clarendon) Synonym: To instill, hint, suggest, intimate. Origin: L. Insinuatus, p. P. Of insinuareto insinuate; pref. In- in + sinus the bosom. See Sinuous. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Insinuate
Literary usage of Insinuate
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Life of Thomas Jefferson by Henry Stephens Randall (1858)
"That, on the contrary, you will come forward in the public councils, become the
missionary of this doctrine, truly Chris- tan, insinuate and inculcate it, ..."
2. The Works of Hannah More by Hannah More (1835)
"introduced to insinuate, that where there is more beauty and more weakness, there
should be greater circumspection and superior prudence. ..."
3. The Gentleman's Magazine (1817)
"... pectedly insinuate appropriate works into the hands of particular readers, as
they frequently take whatever volume is offered for their perusal. ..."
4. The Church History of Britain: From the Birth of Jesus Christ Until the Year by Thomas Fuller, John Sherren Brewer (1845)
"... the nostrils straight abhor and expel, which are most pernicious; but such
airs as have some similitude with man's body, and so insinuate themselves, ..."
5. A Philosophical Dictionary by Voltaire (1843)
"But 1 heart, and that in any sense the phrase is it decent to insinuate in the
pulpit a is not French—that it is, in fact, a pun, wish for the death of the ..."
6. History of the Life and Times of James Madison by William Cabell Rives (1868)
"... Proceedings — Animated Debate upon the Resolutions — Remarks of Mr. Findley —
Speech of Mr. Madison — Friends of the Secretary insinuate Existence of ..."
7. Principles and Acts of the Revolution in America: Or, An Attempt to Collect by Hezekiah Niles (1822)
"... insinuate it n be; and to recom nend that your excellencies "reflect seriously
upon your present condition," and abandon "the unjust cause in which you ..."
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