Meaning & Definition of word "Hint"

Hint

/hɪnt/

noun:

  • 1. A slight or indirect indication or suggestion.
    • Example: She gave him a hint about what to buy for her birthday.
  • 2. A small piece of advice or information.
    • Example: The teacher gave me a hint on how to solve the math problem.
  • 3. A suggestion or clue that is not explicitly stated.
    • Example: The detective found a hint that led him to the suspect.

verb:

  • 1. To suggest or indicate something in an indirect way.
    • Example: He hinted at a promotion during the meeting.
  • 2. To provide a slight sign or clue.
    • Example: She hinted that she might be moving soon.

Etymology

Middle English hinta, possibly from Old English hintian meaning 'to signify' or 'to indicate.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

take a hint:

to understand a subtle suggestion or advice.

drop a hint:

to give a subtle or indirect suggestion.

hint of something:

a slight indication or trace of something.

Related Words

clue:

A piece of evidence or information used in the solving of a problem.

suggestion:

An idea or plan put forward for consideration.

indication:

A sign that something exists or is likely to happen.

Slang Meanings of hint

Meaning: A subtle message or signal.

Example Sentence: I gave her a hint about how I feel.

Meaning: To suggest in an informal way.

Example Sentence: He hinted at the party plans without saying anything directly.