French Conversation · Level 172
15 words
French word
insinuer
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃sinɥe/
Meaning
- verbimply
Example
Tu ne peux pas insinuer que j'ai menti sans preuve.
You can't imply that I lied without proof.
More examples
Il a essayé d'insinuer des doutes sur sa probité.
He tried to insinuate doubts about his integrity.
Core concept
A hidden meaning is placed between ordinary words, leaving the listener to draw the sharper conclusion.
Common phrases
insinuer des doutes
insinuate doubts
insinuer que
insinuate that ___
insinuer une idée
insinuate an idea
Similar words
sous-entendre: To convey an additional meaning or intention beneath the surface.
laisser entendre: To hint at something without stating it clearly.
impliquer: To imply a connection or consequence involving another matter.
suggérer: To gently put forward an idea or proposal.
Definition in French
Exprimer quelque chose de façon indirecte, en laissant entendre une idée ou une accusation sans l'énoncer clairement.
Word origin
French insinuer developed from Latin insinuare, based on in- 'into' and sinus 'curve or fold', and its figurative sense came to describe an indirect insertion of meaning.
Usage tips
- The usual pattern insinuer que introduces the implied claim, as in insinuer que quelqu'un a menti.
Other meanings
- insinuateverb
Related words
- insinuationinsinuationnoun
- insinuéinsinuatedadjective
- insinuateurinsinuatornoun