hint Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an indirect suggestion
    breath; intimation.
    • not a breath of scandal ever touched her
  2. noun a slight indication
    clue.
  3. noun a slight but appreciable amount
    jot; speck; pinch; soupcon; touch; mite; tinge.
    • this dish could use a touch of garlic
  4. noun a just detectable amount
    suggestion; trace.
    • he speaks French with a trace of an accent
  5. noun an indication of potential opportunity
    lead; tip; steer; wind; confidential information.
    • he got a tip on the stock market
    • a good lead for a job
  6. verb drop a hint; intimate by a hint
    suggest.

WordNet

Hint transitive verb
Etymology
OE. henten, hinten, to seize, to catch, AS. hentan to pursue, take, seize; or Icel. ymta to mutter, ymtr a muttering, Dan. ymte to whisper. Cf. Hent.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Hinted; present participle & verbal noun Hinting
Definitions
  1. To bring to mind by a slight mention or remote allusion; to suggest in an indirect manner; as, to hint a suspicion.
    Just hint a fault and hesitate dislike. Pope.
    Syn. -- To suggest; intimate; insinuate; imply.
Hint intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make an indirect reference, suggestion, or allusion; to allude vaguely to something.
    We whisper, and hint, and chuckle. Tennyson.
    Syn. -- To allude; refer; glance; touch.
Hint noun
Definitions
  1. A remote allusion; slight mention; intimation; insinuation; a suggestion or reminder, without a full declaration or explanation; also, an occasion or motive.
    Our hint of woe Is common. Shak.
    The hint malevolent, the look oblique. Hannah Me.
    Syn. -- Suggestion; allusion. See Suggestion.

Webster 1913