Literary notes about Intimate (AI summary)
Literary authors employ the word "intimate" to convey both a profound sense of closeness and a subtle method of communication. It is often used to designate personal bonds and familiarity, as when characters are described as long-standing or deeply connected ([1], [2], [3]), or as confidants sharing private secrets ([4], [5]). At the same time, "intimate" functions as a nuanced verb conveying a quietly implied meaning or indication, whether hinting at a desire ([6], [7], [8]) or conveying minute, intrinsic details about social constructs ([9], [10]). This layered usage allows the term to capture a spectrum of meanings, ranging from affectionate personal relationships to suggestive, almost tacit messages embedded within narrative and discourse.
- H2 anchor CHAPTER XX A few intimate friends were dining with the Rostóvs that day, as usual on Sundays.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - "Miss Bingley told me," said Jane, "that he never speaks much unless among his intimate acquaintance.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Padre Damaso, my father’s intimate friend!” Every look in the room was directed toward the Franciscan, who made no movement.
— from The Social Cancer: A Complete English Version of Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal - He was the intimate friend of my dear husband, who trusted and loved him, and thought him as good as himself.
— from Persuasion by Jane Austen - They came, and then, pointing to the bronze pedestal, I tried to intimate my wish to open it.
— from The Time Machine by H. G. Wells - “Let me walk home with you,” said Egremont, as Sybil seemed to intimate her intention here to separate.
— from Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli - This was a very effectual method which our hero took to intimate his new character to the public.
— from The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Complete by T. Smollett - Its intended changes are to be wrought in the intimate texture of all societary organizations, without violence or any form of antagonism.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - The effect of this is to substitute fortuitous and casual relationship for the more intimate and permanent associations of the smaller community.
— from Introduction to the Science of Sociology by E. W. Burgess and Robert Ezra Park
