Intimately
/ˈɪntɪmətli/
Definitions
3 meaningsIn a close, personal, and often private way; involving a deep understanding or knowledge.
/ˈɪntɪmətli/
In a very close and personal way
They were intimately involved in the project's development.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling your best friend your secrets. That's like speaking intimately. It's about sharing things that are close to you, like your feelings or things you've done. Like when you tell your best friend that you have a crush on someone, you do it intimately.
👶 For kids: When you talk to someone in a very close and private way, like sharing secrets with your best friend.
More Examples
He knew the city intimately after living there for many years.
The couple shared their deepest fears and hopes intimately.
How It's Used
"They spoke intimately about their past."
"The author described the character's inner thoughts intimately."
With a close physical or sensual connection.
/ˈɪntɪmətli/
Involving a close physical connection
The two lovers held each other intimately.
💡 Simply: Think of a romantic dance where people are very close. That's like touching or being close to each other intimately. It's like when you hug someone, but even closer.
👶 For kids: Being really close together, like a hug.
More Examples
The dancer moved intimately with the music.
They sat close, sharing space intimately.
How It's Used
"They embraced intimately."
"The examination required an intimate interaction with the patient."
In a thorough and complete manner; to a great degree or extent.
/ˈɪntɪmətli/
Thoroughly and completely
The researcher understood the data intimately.
💡 Simply: Imagine you are studying for a test and know all the details. You might study the material intimately. It's knowing something really well, like the back of your hand, all the details.
👶 For kids: Knowing something really, really well.
More Examples
They studied the problem intimately to find a solution.
He knew the history of the city intimately.
How It's Used
"The study examined the cells intimately."
"The company is intimately involved in the project."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
be intimately acquainted with
To be very familiar with something or someone.
"She is intimately acquainted with the works of Shakespeare."
From Middle English *intimate*, from Latin *intimatus*, past participle of *intimare* 'to make known, announce, impress', from *intimus* 'inmost'.
The word has been used since the 16th century, initially relating to making something known or communicating something of significance, later extending to a sense of close personal connection and profound knowledge.
Memory tip
Think of an intimate friend - someone you share your deepest secrets with.
Word Origin
"inmost, innermost"