insinuation
insinuation — noun
- insinuationsingular
- insinuationsplural
1. the act of hinting at something bad or negative about a person or situation with
the act of hinting at something bad or negative about a person or situation without stating it directly; also, a remark that does this — for example, suggesting that someone is dishonest without making an open accusation
Marco made a nasty insinuation about Nikhil's work ethic without offering any proof.
make + insinuation + about + [person/thing]
The court documents were filled with insinuations that the company had hidden profits from investors.
passive: filled with insinuation + that-clause
Ignacio ignored the insinuation that he had taken the money from the office safe.
Rania made several insinuations about her rival's ties to a failed construction company.
Rather than make open accusations, Asher relied on subtle insinuations to damage his opponent's reputation.
- implication
More neutral; can apply to any indirect meaning, not necessarily negative
- innuendo
Often carries a sexual connotation; more informal register
- allegation
More direct and formal; implies there is evidence to support the claim
- hint
Softer and broader; does not carry the same negative or sneaky tone
- direct accusation
An open, explicit claim rather than an indirect hint
- frank statement
Honest and straightforward expression with no hidden intent
文法句型
insinuation + that-clause
insinuation + about + noun phrase
make + an insinuation
a(n) + adjective + insinuation that...
用法筆記
Frequently appears in formal or political contexts. The noun can refer either to the act of insinuating (e.g. 'He was known for his insinuation') or to the specific remark itself (e.g. 'She denied the insinuation'). Unlike 'implication,' which can be neutral, 'insinuation' always carries a negative tone and implies the suggestion is dishonest or underhanded.