HINT Meaning and
Definition
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A hint is a subtle or indirect clue or piece of information that is provided to guide or suggest something without explicitly stating it. It can serve as a gentle indication or suggestion to help someone understand or solve a problem, or to convey an idea or intention subtly. Hints are commonly used in various contexts, such as in conversations, puzzles, games, or even in literature.
When used in social interactions, a hint usually implies an indirect communication method that allows individuals to express their thoughts or desires without being too explicit. It is often employed in situations where the speaker doesn't want to appear pushy or intrusive, but still wishes to convey a particular message or request. Hints can range from verbal cues, such as a subtle choice of words or a tone of voice, to nonverbal cues like body language or gestures.
In the context of puzzles, games, or riddles, hints play a crucial role in providing guidance or assistance to the participants. They are designed to point the players in the right direction, helping them solve a problem or decipher a clue without revealing the solution outright. Hints in this context are typically designed to challenge the participants' thinking abilities by offering just enough information to nudge them in the correct direction while maintaining an element of challenge and discovery.
Overall, a hint serves as a gentle suggestion or subtle clue that aids in understanding, problem-solving, or conveying information without being overtly direct. Its purpose is to provide guidance or assistance in a discreet manner, fostering curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking.
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• A distant allusion; slight mention or reference.
• To bring to mind by a slight intimation; to suggest; to allude to distantly; to imply.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HINT *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HINT
Etymology of HINT
The word "hint" originated from Middle English, around the 14th century, with various forms like "hente" and "heent". Its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "hentan", which meant to grasp or seize. Over time, the meaning of "hentan" evolved to include subtle suggestions or indications. Eventually, it transformed into the word "hint" that we use today, referring to a slight clue or suggestion that is often indirect or veiled.
Idioms with the word HINT
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take the hint
The idiom "take the hint" means to understand or recognize an indirect message or subtle clue, particularly when someone is trying to give a hint or suggest something indirectly. It implies that the person receiving the hint should comprehend the message and adjust their behavior or response accordingly.
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hint for something
The idiom "hint for something" refers to subtly suggesting, implying, or indicating something without explicitly stating it or giving direct information. It involves dropping clues or insinuating information, typically with the purpose of guiding or assisting someone in understanding or discovering something without explicitly revealing it.
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take a hint
The idiom "take a hint" means to understand or accept an indirect indication or suggestion, usually signaling that the other person is not interested or does not want to pursue a particular course of action.It generally implies that someone should recognize or comprehend the subtle cues and adjust their behavior accordingly.
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pick up the hint
The idiom "pick up the hint" refers to understanding or recognizing a subtle or indirect suggestion or clue. It means to grasp the implied message or suggestion being conveyed and adjust one's actions or behavior accordingly.
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drop a hint
The idiom "drop a hint" means to indirectly or subtly suggest or imply something, typically to indicate a desire or a need, without explicitly stating it. It involves offering a clue or hint to another person so that they can infer the intended message or idea.
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hint at
The idiom "hint at" means to suggest or imply something indirectly or subtly, without explicitly stating or expressing it.
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hint sth to sm
The phrase "hint something to someone" means to indirectly suggest or imply something to someone without stating it explicitly. It involves subtly dropping clues or giving small indications to convey a message or idea.
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drop a hint (or drop hints)
The idiom "drop a hint (or drop hints)" means to subtly give someone a clue or make a suggestion, usually in order to communicate something indirectly or to suggest something without explicitly stating it.
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hint something to someone
The idiom "hint something to someone" means to suggest or indirectly indicate something to someone without explicitly stating it, usually with the intention of conveying a message or idea subtly. It is a way of providing a clue or insinuation rather than expressing things directly or explicitly.
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hint at sth
The idiom "hint at something" means to suggest or imply something indirectly or subtly, without explicitly stating it. It involves dropping small clues or indications that can be interpreted as a suggestion or an allusion, allowing the listener or reader to gather the intended meaning.
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hint for sth
The idiom "hint for something" refers to providing a subtle or indirect suggestion or indication about something, typically in order to guide or assist someone in finding or understanding something. It implies giving a clue or a small piece of advice without explicitly stating or revealing the complete information.
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hint at something
The idiom "hint at something" means to indirectly suggest or allude to something without explicitly stating it, usually to provide a subtle clue or suggestion.
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Irish hint
Similar spelling words for HINT
Conjugate verb Hint
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have hinted
you
would have hinted
he/she/it
would have hinted
we
would have hinted
they
would have hinted
I
would have hint
you
would have hint
he/she/it
would have hint
we
would have hint
they
would have hint
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been hinting
you
would have been hinting
he/she/it
would have been hinting
we
would have been hinting
they
would have been hinting
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would hint
you
would hint
he/she/it
would hint
we
would hint
they
would hint
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be hinting
you
would be hinting
he/she/it
would be hinting
we
would be hinting
they
would be hinting
FUTURE
I
will hint
you
will hint
he/she/it
will hint
we
will hint
they
will hint
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be hinting
you
will be hinting
he/she/it
will be hinting
we
will be hinting
they
will be hinting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have hinted
you
will have hinted
he/she/it
will have hinted
we
will have hinted
they
will have hinted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been hinting
you
will have been hinting
he/she/it
will have been hinting
we
will have been hinting
they
will have been hinting
IMPERATIVE
you
hint
we
let´s hint
to hint
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was hinting
you
were hinting
he/she/it
was hinting
we
were hinting
they
were hinting
PAST PARTICIPLE
hinted
PAST PERFECT
I
had hinted
you
had hinted
he/she/it
had hinted
we
had hinted
they
had hinted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been hinting
you
had been hinting
he/she/it
had been hinting
we
had been hinting
they
had been hinting
PRESENT
I
hint
you
hint
he/she/it
hints
we
hint
they
hint
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am hinting
you
are hinting
he/she/it
is hinting
we
are hinting
they
are hinting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
hinting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have hinted
you
have hinted
he/she/it
has hinted
we
have hinted
they
have hinted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been hinting
you
have been hinting
he/she/it
has been hinting
we
have been hinting
they
have been hinting
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
hint
SIMPLE PAST
I
hinted
you
hinted
he/she/it
hinted
we
hinted
they
hinted
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