Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Insinuate
In-sin′u-ate
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Insinuated
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Insinuating
.] 1.
To introduce gently or slowly, as by a winding or narrow passage, or a gentle, persistent movement.
The water easily
insinuates
itself into, and placidly distends, the vessels of vegetables. Woodward.
2.
To introduce artfully; to infuse gently; to instill.
All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to
insinuate
wrong ideas, move the passions, and thereby mislead the judgment. Locke.
Horace laughs to shame all follies and
insinuates
virtue, rather by familiar examples than by the severity of precepts. Dryden.
3.
To hint; to suggest by remote allusion; – often used derogatorily;
as, did you mean to
insinuate
anything?4.
To push or work (one’s self), as into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle, or artful means; to ingratiate; – used reflexively.
Syn. – To instill; hint; suggest; intimate.
In-sin′u-ate
,Verb.
I.
1.
To creep, wind, or flow in; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices.
2.
To ingratiate one's self; to obtain access or favor by flattery or cunning.
He would
insinuate
with thee but to make thee sigh. Shakespeare
To
insinuate
, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs. Shakespeare
Webster 1828 Edition
Insinuate
INSIN'UATE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To introduce gently, or into a narrow passage; to wind in. Water insinuates itself into the crevices of rocks.2.
To push or work one's self into favor; to introduce by slow, gentle or artful means. He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the duke of Buckingham.
3.
To hint; to suggest by remote allusion. And all the fictions bards pursue,
Do but insinuate what's true.
4.
To instill; to infuse gently; to introduce artfully. All the art of rhetoric, besides order and clearness, are for nothing else but to insinuate wrong ideas, move the passions and thereby mislead the judgment.
INSIN'UATE
,Verb.
I.
1.
To gain on the affections by gentle or artful means, or by imperceptible degrees; as insinuating flattery.2.
To wind along.