Intieme

Intieme is a Dutch adjective meaning intimate. It denotes closeness, privacy, or a sensitive character of a subject. In everyday use, it frequently modifies nouns referring to relationships or conversations, as in intieme relatie (intimate relationship) or intieme gesprekken (confidential or intimate conversations). The term can describe emotional closeness as well as privacy in social or domestic contexts; it is not synonymous with explicit sexual content.

Etymology and language notes: Intieme derives from the French intime, itself from Latin intimus meaning innermost. In Dutch, intieme is the standard attributive form used before nouns in contexts that emphasize closeness or privacy. The cognate adjective intiem exists as the base form; the form intieme is commonly observed when the noun requires an -e ending for agreement.

Usage and nuance: While intieme and intimate carry overlap with words like privé (private) or vertrouwelijk (confidential), intieme specifically signals a degree of personal closeness or private relevance. In journalism and cultural discourse, it is often applied to relationships, spaces, or topics that are not intended for public scrutiny, e.g., intieme details, intieme sfeer.

See also: intimacy, intimate relationship, private life, confidentiality.