| 释义 |
in·sin·u·ate
\ə̇nˈsinyəˌwāt, usu -ād.+V\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Latin insinuatus, past participle of insinuare, from in- in- (II) + sinuare to bend, curve, from sinus curve, fold — more at sinus
transitive verb
1.
a. : to introduce (as an idea or point of view) stealthily, slyly, or artfully : convey in a subtle, indirect, or covert way : instill imperceptibly
< cautiously insinuating doubts of his guardian's probity into the mind of the boy >
< these fears craftily insinuated by enemy propaganda >
b. : to impart or communicate with artful indirect wording or oblique reference and without direct or forthright expression : hint, imply
< Newman says of a gentleman that … he never … insinuates evil which he dare not say out — Sir A.T.Quiller-Couch >
2. [Medieval Latin insinuatus, past participle of insinuare, from Latin] Roman & civil law : to register or file for registration (as a will or a gift)
3. : to introduce (as oneself) by stealthy, smooth, or artful means
< insinuating himself into the confidence of the villagers >
< gently the cat insinuated himself into the snug corner between the chairs >
broadly : to introduce gradually or without fuss and turmoil
< as time went on saner ideas insinuated themselves into the minds of the members >
4. obsolete : to draw or attract (as the mind) to something or to a course by artful or indirect means
5. : to push, work, or introduce slowly, carefully, or by a roundabout way
< cautiously insinuating herself into the crowd >
< insinuate a car through traffic >
intransitive verb
1. archaic : enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly : creep, wind, flow
2. archaic : to ingratiate oneself : obtain access subtly
Synonyms: see suggest |