4 syllables: In, ti, ma, ted. Stress on In.
IN-tuh-may-tid
/ˈɪntəˌmeɪtɪd/
Intimated is pronounced IN-tuh-may-tid (/ˈɪntəˌmeɪtɪd/). It has four syllables (In-ti-ma-ted), with the stress on "In". Intimated is a transitive verb meaning to indicate or suggest something indirectly or subtly, often by hints or small assertions. It can also mean to communicate indirectly through signs or actions. The term carries formal or slightly clinical tone and is common in legal, academic, and professional discourse when implying information without direct statement.
verbIntimated is a transitive verb meaning to indicate or suggest something indirectly or subtly, often by hints or small assertions. It can also mean to communicate indirectly through signs or actions. The term carries formal or slightly clinical tone and is common in legal, academic, and professional discourse when implying information without direct statement.
"The memo intimated that further budget cuts were likely, without stating them outright."
"During the interview, she intimated that a promotion might be on the horizon."
"His body language intimated approval, even though he said nothing."
Pronounce as in-TI-may-ted, with the primary stress on the second syllable: in-TI-may-ted. IPA: US/UK/AU: ɪnˈtɪ.meɪ.tɪd. Start with a short 'i' as in 'pin', then a light 't' after the stressed syllable, and end with a clear schwa-like 'ɪd' in rapid speech. You’ll want the 't' to be crisp but not aspirated heavily; the 'meɪ' vowel is a long A that carries the core meaning in this word.
Common errors include placing primary stress on the first syllable (in-TI-mated) and shortening the middle vowel to a lax 'ɪ' (in-TI-mi-ted). Also, English speakers sometimes reduce the final 'ed' to a quick 'd' or 't' sound without the preceding 'ɪd' cluster. Correction: keep the middle 'ˈtɪ' strong and ensure the final '-tɪd' is pronounced as 'tɪd' with a light, almost syllabic 'd' and a clear 'ɪ' preceding it, so the ending sounds like 'ɪd' rather than a clipped 'ɪt'.
US tends to have a rhotic, alveolar-tapped 't' and clear 'ɪ' vowels: ɪnˈtɪ.meɪ.tɪd. UK often keeps non-rhotic features with slightly stronger syllable-timing: ɪnˈtɪ.meɪ.tɪd. Australian mirrors UK but with broader vowel qualities and reduced rhotics in some speakers: ɪnˈtɪ.meɪ.tɪd. Across all, the stressed second syllable remains prominent; vowels in the 'meɪ' stay as a long A, and the final 'ɪd' can be a light 'ɪd' or a syllabic 'd' depending on tempo.
The challenge is the light, unstressed second syllable and the long 'eɪ' diphthong in 'meɪ'. Many speakers cluster the 't' and 'ɪd' endings and mis-tune the 'ɪn' at the start. Focus on maintaining the strong secondary stress on the second syllable, extending the 'ɪ' before the 'meɪ', and keeping the final 'ɪd' crisp but not overly aspirated. Practice by isolating the transition from /ɪ/ to /mɪ/ to ensure smooth onset of the stressed syllable.
There are no silent letters in the typical pronunciation; every letter contributes to the sound. The tricky part is the transition from the initial 'In-' to the stressed 'ti' syllable and the 'meɪ' vowel that follows. Ensure you articulate the 'n' clearly before the 't', so the sequence /ɪnˈtɪ.meɪ.tɪd/ remains fluid, with a short, crisp 't' and a distinct, final 'ɪd' ending rather than a rushed 'ɪt'.
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Intimate comes from the Latin intimare, meaning to make known or to make within, from in- (in, within) + tacere (to be silent). The verb entered English via the late Middle English period, initially carrying the sense of making known or hinting to someone privately. Over time, it broadened to include communicating indirectly or suggesting something without explicit statement. The form intimated (past tense) follows standard English verb conjugation, while intimate (adjective/noun) shares the same root, often related to closeness in relationship or familiarity, but in this verb sense the noun/adjective senses are distinct from the verb. Early uses often appeared in legal or formal documents where subtle guidance or indirect assertion was required. The modern usage focuses on indirect indication, inference, or suggestion rather than direct communication, retaining a formal register in many contexts.
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Words that rhyme with "Intimated"
-ted sounds
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