hint

/hɪnt/
nounBeginner
informal

A slight or indirect suggestion or clue that helps someone understand or solve something.

She gave me a hint about the answer to the riddle.

The detective left a hint in the case file for his partner.

💡

Often used in casual conversation or puzzles to provide subtle guidance.

informal

A small amount or trace of something.

There was a hint of sadness in her voice.

The soup had a hint of garlic in the flavor.

💡

Used to describe a faint presence or indication of something.

Collocations

give a hintto provide a subtle suggestiontake a hintto understand an indirect suggestiondrop a hintto subtly suggest something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

hint atphrase
to suggest something indirectly
hint ofphrase
a small amount or trace of something

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'hint' when you want to suggest something subtly without being direct.

Gold Rule

Indirect Communication

'Hint' is often used to avoid direct confrontation or to test someone's understanding.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'hinten' (to point out), possibly from Old Norse 'hinta' (to hint).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both as a noun and a verb (e.g., 'to hint at something').

Word Breakdown

hint
a small suggestion or clue
root
English Dictionary