browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
more about insinuate
insinuate |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Insinuate \In*sin"u*ate\, v. i. 1. To creep, wind, or flow in to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices. 2. To ingratiate one's self to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning. He would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh. --Shak. To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs. --Shak. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Insinuate \In*sin"u*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Insinuated}; p. pr & vb n. {Insinuating}.] [L. insinuatus p. p. of insinuareto insinuate; pref. in- in + sinus the bosom. See {Sinuous}.] 1. To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement. The water easily insinuates itself into and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables. --Woodward. 2. To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill. All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead the judgment. --Locke. Horace laughs to shame all follies and insinuates virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts. --Dryden. 3. To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; -- often used derogatorily; as did you mean to insinuate anything? 4. To push or work (one's self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means to ingratiate; -- used reflexively. He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham. --Clarendon. Syn: To instill; hint; suggest; intimate. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: insinuate v : give to understand [syn: {intimate}, {adumbrate}]
more about insinuate
This work is licensed under a
