First Known Use: 1604
Dictionary
1hint
noun \ˈhint\
: a small piece of information that helps you guess an answer or do something more easily
: information about something given in an indirect way; especially : a statement that suggests something that you do not want to say in a direct way
: a very small amount of something
Full Definition of HINT
1
archaic : opportunity, turn
2
a : a statement conveying by implication what it is preferred not to say explicitly b : an indirect or summary suggestion <helpful hints>
3
: a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : clue
4
: a very small amount : suggestion <with just a hint of spice>
See hint defined for English-language learners
See hint defined for kids
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Origin of HINT
probably alteration of obsolete hent act of seizing, from hent, verb
Related to HINT
- Synonyms
- clue, cue, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion
2hint
verb
: to say (something) or give information about (something) in an indirect way
Full Definition of HINT
transitive verb
: to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly <a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint>
intransitive verb
: to give a hint —usually used with at <hint at the answer>
— hint·er noun
See hint defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HINT
1648
Synonym Discussion of HINT
suggest, imply, hint, intimate, insinuate mean to convey an idea indirectly. suggest may stress putting into the mind by association of ideas, awakening of a desire, or initiating a train of thought <a film title that suggests its subject matter>. imply is close to suggest but may indicate a more definite or logical relation of the unexpressed idea to the expressed <measures implying that bankruptcy was imminent>. hint implies the use of slight or remote suggestion with a minimum of overt statement <hinted that she might get the job>. intimate stresses delicacy of suggestion without connoting any lack of candor <intimates that there is more to the situation than meets the eye>. insinuate applies to the conveying of a usually unpleasant idea in a sly underhanded manner <insinuated that there were shady dealings>.
HINT[2] Defined for Kids
1hint
noun \ˈhint\
Definition of HINT for Kids
1
: information that helps a person guess an answer or do something more easily
2
: a small amount : trace <There's a hint of spring in the air.>
2hint
verb
hint·edhint·ing
Definition of HINT for Kids
: to suggest something without plainly asking or saying it <I hinted that I need help.>
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