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Intimate: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：very close and personal (intimate)

intimate 🔊

/ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/

adj.

Used to describe a very close and personal relationship between people, like family or best friends, where they share deep trust and feelings.

Intimate relationship illustration showing close friends sharing a private, comfortable moment.

very close and personal 🔊

➕

/ˈver.i kloʊs ənd ˈpɜːr.sən.əl/

adj.

Describes relationships characterized by deep familiarity, affection, and trust.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'intimus' (innermost).

💡 Mnemonic

IN + TI + MATE: Think of an INner circle TIed to a close MATE (friend).

📖 Example

The two grandmothers, having known each other since childhood, shared an intimate conversation over tea in the sunny kitchen. 🔊 The two grandmothers, who have known each other since they were children, had a very close and personal conversation while drinking tea in the sunlit kitchen.

🔗 Collocations

intimate friendship – a very close and trusting friendship

intimate connection – a deep and personal bond

intimate knowledge – very detailed and personal understanding

🔄 Synonyms

close (adj.) – emotionally connected and familiar

familiar (adj.) – well known through long or close association

personal (adj.) – concerning one's private life and relationships

🚫 Antonyms

distant (adj.) – not emotionally close; reserved

formal (adj.) – following conventional rules of behavior; not personal

superficial (adj.) – existing on the surface only; not deep or meaningful

🌱 Derivatives

intimacy (n.) – the state of being intimate; close familiarity

intimately (adv.) – in a very close and personal way

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'intimus' (superlative of 'inter' meaning 'within'), via French. It originally referred to what is innermost, evolving to describe profound personal closeness.

Meaning 2：personal and private (intimate)

intimate 🔊

/ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/

adj.

Used to describe something that is very personal or private, often a detail or fact that you don't want others to know.

Intimate details concept showing a personal diary entry in a private, reflective setting.

personal and private 🔊

➕

/ˈpɜːr.sən.əl ənd ˈpraɪ.vət/

adj.

Describes details, facts, or aspects that are very personal and not meant to be shared publicly.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She keeps an intimate diary where she writes down her deepest thoughts and dreams, locked safely in her drawer. 🔊 She maintains a very personal and private diary in which she records her innermost thoughts and aspirations, keeping it securely locked in her drawer.

🔗 Collocations

intimate detail – a very personal and private piece of information

intimate thoughts – personal reflections not usually shared

intimate secrets – highly personal and confidential matters

🔄 Synonyms

private (adj.) – belonging to or for the use of one particular person; not public

confidential (adj.) – intended to be kept secret

secret (adj.) – not known or seen by others

🚫 Antonyms

public (adj.) – known to or involving people in general

open (adj.) – not concealed; available for all to see or know

general (adj.) – affecting or concerning all or most people; not specific or private

🌱 Derivatives

intimacy (n.) – a private and cozy atmosphere; closeness

intimately (adv.) – in a private and personal manner