Hinting
'hɪntɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo suggest or imply something indirectly; to give a clue or indication.
'hɪntɪŋ
To suggest or imply something subtly
She was hinting that she might be interested in the job.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to guess what your friend wants for their birthday. Instead of just telling you, they give you little clues, like, "I really love that store..." That's hinting! You're dropping little breadcrumbs of information without saying it outright.
👶 For kids: When you're hinting, you're giving a little secret signal to help someone guess something.
More Examples
The detective hinted at the suspect's involvement by asking leading questions.
The teacher was hinting that the test would cover the last three chapters.
How It's Used
"He was hinting that he wanted a promotion."
"The author was hinting at a deeper mystery in the story."
"The lawyer was hinting at a potential plea bargain."
The act of giving a suggestion or indication; the use of hints.
'hɪntɪŋ
The act of suggesting something
The detective followed the hinting about the killer’s identity.
💡 Simply: It's like when someone gives you little clues or hints to help you solve a puzzle or figure something out.
👶 For kids: Giving someone a little clue to help them guess something.
More Examples
His subtle hinting was not lost on the audience.
The secret agent was very good at the art of hinting.
How It's Used
"Her hinting was subtle, but clear."
"The detective followed the clues, which were a series of hints."
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 hinte, a variant of hente, meaning 'to seize, grasp,' later evolving to suggest subtle suggestions or indications.
Used in literature and everyday speech for centuries, with usage increasing in modern times with the rise of more ambiguous or indirect communication styles.
Memory tip
Think of a tiny arrow pointing towards a hidden message.