insinuation
意味一覧 (2件)
ほのめかし
解説 Definition
人や物の悪い点を暗に示唆すること。直接的ではなく、ほのめかしの形で否定的な情報を伝える行為。
An insinuation is an indirect suggestion, usually about something negative, embarrassing, or dishonest. It is used when a person hints at an idea instead of saying it clearly. The word often suggests unfair or unpleasant hidden meaning.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
insinuation は動詞 insinuate「それとなく言う」から覚えると定着します。疑い・欠点・不正などを直接断定せず、聞き手に察させるように暗く示す名詞です。単なる hint より否定的で、表面上はぼかしていても相手の評判を傷つける響きがあります。make an insinuation, subtle insinuation, indirect insinuation の形で押さえましょう。
Connect `insinuation` with the verb `insinuate`, meaning to suggest something indirectly. It is usually not a neutral hint; it often carries a quiet, negative suggestion about someone. Useful phrases are `make an insinuation`, `a subtle insinuation`, and `an indirect insinuation`.
例文
His insinuation about her honesty was hurtful.
彼女の誠実さについての彼のほのめかしは傷つけるものだった。
The insinuation was subtle but clearly understood.
そのほのめかしは微妙だが明確に理解された。
I resent the insinuation that I was wrong.
私が間違っていたというほのめかしに憤慨している。
当てこすり
(意味 2)解説 Definition
insinuation は、相手を直接責めずに、欠点・不正・失敗などを遠回しに責める「当てこすり」を指します。会話、記事、議論で、表面上は断定を避けながらも、聞き手に非難や皮肉が伝わる場面で使われます。
An insinuation is an indirect remark that suggests something bad about a person or situation without saying it clearly. People use it when they want to criticize, blame, or mock someone in a less direct way. It often appears in conversations, articles, or arguments where the speaker avoids making a clear accusation but still wants the listener to notice the negative meaning.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
insinuation は insinuate「ほのめかす」の名詞で、語源は in「中へ」＋ sinuare「曲がる」です。相手の心に曲がり込むように、直接言わず悪意や批判を忍ばせる「当てこすり」を指します。make an insinuation や by insinuation でよく使い、simple hint より毒があり、accusation ほど露骨ではない点が核です。
Think of insinuation as a remark that "slips into" someone's mind instead of attacking directly. The speaker does not say the blame openly, but the negative meaning still gets through. Imagine words moving along a curve and entering quietly, and remember that an insinuation is an indirect criticism.
例文
Her comment about his "special treatment" was an obvious insinuation that he had cheated.
彼への「特別扱い」という発言は、彼が不正をしたという露骨な当てこすりだった。
The article was full of insinuation, making the mayor look dishonest without directly saying so.
その記事は当てこすりに満ちていて、市長を不正直に見せながらも直接はそう言っていなかった。
He denied that his joke contained any insinuation, but everyone in the room felt the insult.
彼は自分の冗談に当てこすりはないと否定したが、その場の全員が侮辱を感じた。
insinuation の語源・成り立ち Etymology
insinuation はラテン語 insinuare「中へ入り込ませる」から来ており、in-「中へ」＋sinus「曲がり・ひだ」が核です。言葉を露骨に言わず、相手の心にそっと滑り込ませるイメージから「ほのめかし」となり、関連語に insinuate, sinuous があります。
"Insinuation" comes from Latin "insinuare," meaning to work or guide something into. It contains "in-" meaning into and "sinus," meaning a curve, fold, or hollow. The image is of something slipping in by a winding path, which led to the sense of suggesting something indirectly rather than saying it openly. Related words include "insinuate" and "sinuous."
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