insinuate

Insinuate is a verb with two primary senses in English. The most common meaning is to suggest or hint at something in a subtle, often indirect or covert way, typically involving a negative or defamatory implication. For example, a speaker may insinuate that a colleague is dishonest without stating it outright. A second sense is to introduce or push something gradually, or to gain access or acceptance by subtle means, such as insinuating oneself into a group.

Etymology and form: Insinuate comes from the Latin insinuare, meaning to wind in or creep in, from in- “in” and sinuare “to bend.” In English, it has developed to cover both the idea of indirect suggestion and the act of gradual introduction or penetration, as in insinuating a plan into a discussion or a person into a social circle. The related noun is insinuation; the verb can be used transitively (insinuate something to someone) or reflexively (insinuate oneself into something).

Usage notes: Distinguishing imply, insinuate, and infer can be subtle. To insinuate is the speaker’s act of suggesting something indirectly, often with a negative connotation; to imply is to express that suggestion; to infer is what the listener concludes from what is said. In everyday usage, insinuation frequently carries a judgment about credibility or intent, rather than a neutral statement of fact.

See also: insinuation, imply, hint, insinuator.