Hint
/hɪnt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA subtle suggestion or piece of information that helps someone to do or understand something.
/hɪnt/
A slight or indirect suggestion or clue.
She dropped a hint about wanting a new phone for her birthday.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and someone gives you a little clue to help you guess the answer. That clue is a hint! It's like whispering the start of a secret.
👶 For kids: A little piece of information that helps you figure something out.
More Examples
The map provided a hint to find the hidden treasure.
The detective followed the clues and hints to solve the mystery.
How It's Used
"He gave me a hint about the surprise."
"The police followed the hint to find the criminal."
To suggest or imply something without stating it directly.
/hɪnt/
To suggest or indicate something indirectly.
He hinted at a promotion during the meeting.
💡 Simply: It's like giving someone a little nudge or a small clue so they can figure something out on their own. For example, you might hint that you want pizza for dinner by talking about how hungry you are.
👶 For kids: To give someone a little secret or clue about something.
More Examples
The mysterious letter hinted at a hidden past.
She hinted at the possibility of leaving the job if things didn't improve.
How It's Used
"She hinted at her plans to travel."
"The author hinted at the character's secret motives."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
take a hint
To understand a subtle clue or indirect communication, and respond accordingly.
"He kept calling her even after she didn't return his calls. It was clear she wasn't interested, but he didn't take the hint."
From Middle English *hent*, from Old English *hentan* 'to seize, take hold of,' related to *hendan* 'to capture, seize'. Its sense evolved to a suggestion or clue.
Originally meant 'to seize' or 'take hold of' (Old English *hentan*), the meaning evolved to a suggestion.
Memory tip
Think of a small sign pointing you in the right direction.
Word Origin
"to seize, capture"