intimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intimate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a close or personal relationship between two people, or when talking about a place or setting that is cozy or private. For example, "The couple shared an intimate dinner together at a romantic restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Arts

Lifestyle

Film

TV & Radio

Music

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She didn't marry, but reportedly had intimate relationships with men and women.

The Guardian - Film

When it was put to him that those with intimate knowledge of the republican movement - former prisoners like McKearney and other dissident republican intellectuals - were convinced the IRA offer signalled the end of the war, the MP said: 'I'm sorry, who are they?

The Guardian

Categories of RTBF requests/requesters that are accepted or presumptively accepted (e.g., health information, address or telephone number, intimate information, information older than a certain time) and how those categories are defined and assessed.

The Guardian - Tech

Normally, Burn This had no trouble keeping an audience absorbed: John Malkovich and Juliet Stephenson were at their mesmeric best, the auditorium was an intimate 200-seater, and the play was a sell-out.

The Guardian

I finished my journey on a small boat that sails every week from the Chilean port of Punta Arenas to the intimate island town of Puerto Williams, the most southerly community in the world.

The Guardian - Travel

For a start, murder rates are at their lowest for 25 years, and the proportion of murders that are family related (this includes killings by any family member, not just an intimate partner) are also down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Close to half of intimate partner murders were alcohol related, and that rises to 87% among Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

I blew the whistle on the NSA's surveillance practices not because I believed that the United States was uniquely at fault, but because I believe that mass surveillance of innocents – the construction of enormous, state-run surveillance time machines that can turn back the clock on the most intimate details of our lives – is a threat to all people, everywhere, no matter who runs them.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the deepest, most intimate part was the contact I had with Jane and her soul, in a way.

The Guardian - Arts

We weren't particularly close but I remember being impressed by her dedication and intimate knowledge of the workings of the apartheid state.

The Guardian

Lucie was even prepared to abandon their children to join him in exile, her most intimate letters reveal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, use "intimate" to convey a sense of warmth, privacy, and comfort. For example, "an intimate restaurant" suggests a cozy and personal dining experience.

Common error

Avoid using "intimate" in formal or professional settings where it might imply an inappropriate level of personal closeness. Opt for words like "private" or "exclusive" instead to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "intimate" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as closely personal, private, or familiar. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing relationships, settings, or personal details. It can also function as a verb meaning to suggest something subtly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Lifestyle

7%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "intimate" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective to describe something closely personal, private, or familiar. According to Ludwig, it appropriately conveys closeness, privacy, and familiarity across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Travel, and Opinion pieces. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to consider the tone and register, avoiding its overuse in formal settings where a more neutral term might be appropriate. Related alternatives include "close", "personal", and "private", providing options to fine-tune the intended nuance. Use "intimate" to paint a vivid picture of warmth and connection in appropriate settings, ensuring your writing resonates with authenticity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close

Focuses on the nearness and connection in a relationship or setting.

familiar

Emphasizes a deep knowledge or understanding and comfort level.

personal

Highlights the private and individual nature of something.

private

Underscores the exclusivity and lack of public access.

cozy

Suggests a warm, comfortable, and relaxed atmosphere.

affectionate

Stresses the loving and caring aspect of a relationship.

friendly

Focuses on warmth, care and mutual assistance in a relationship.

confidential

Highlights the secrecy and trust involved in sharing information.

loving

Emphasizes deep care, love, and emotional connection.

deep

Refers to a significant level of emotional connection or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "intimate" in a sentence?

You can use "intimate" to describe a close relationship, a private setting, or a personal experience. For example, "They shared an intimate conversation", or "The restaurant had an intimate atmosphere".

What can I say instead of "intimate"?

You can use alternatives like "close", "familiar", or "personal" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "intimate" to describe a business relationship?

While "intimate" generally refers to close personal relationships, it is usually not appropriate to describe a business relationship. Terms like "close working relationship" or "professional" are more suitable.

What is the difference between "intimate" and "private"?

"Intimate" suggests warmth, closeness, and personal connection, whereas "private" emphasizes exclusivity and lack of public access. An "intimate" dinner implies a personal connection, while a "private" room simply means it's not open to the public.