intimates

USAGE SUMMARY

"intimates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to close friends or personal relationships. For example, "Sally and I have been intimates since high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He may have contemplated telling them over dinner at a nice restaurant but when he pictured Manly excitedly dolling up (putting in their teeth and slipping into, beneath their best shell suit, some brand new intimates from the Terri Randall Collection) he figured the coming rejection would be too cruel.

The Guardian - Sport

He believes that the description of his intimates in his book amounted to an "unmoral" act.

The Guardian - Books

Even among such intimates, boundaries are observed, for fear of crossing an unseen line and triggering a stare of blank, silent rebuke.

The Economist

"People think we're too professorial," joke his intimates.

The Economist

A score of intimates, drawn largely from two clans aside from the Thanis, runs nearly everything else.Such corporate streamlining has allowed Qatar to put its assets into action swiftly and efficiently, at a time when other regional actors, including America, have grown increasingly hesitant.

The Economist

Nagging depression drives her to seek the services and the arms of a psychiatrist, Morel, the evangelical secularist.Mr Rush is a master at parsing the seemingly casual exchange between true intimates.

The Economist

Marx may not have been quite the cardboard monster of legend; but, except in old age and among a few intimates, he was still pretty monstrous.Monster or not, does Karl Marx bear any responsibility for the atrocities subsequently committed in his name?

The Economist

The rest, he intimates, without giving details, would come from slighter welfare and departmental cuts.These offers recall Britain's last big tax-and-spend election, in 1992.

The Economist

No swimming pool can soothe the terror of supposed intimates who cannot sustain a conversation.

The Economist

Unusually for a member of this fractious government, he has maintained good relations with both camps (helped, no doubt, by his younger brother, Ed, who is one of the chancellor's intimates).

The Economist

He has notably failed in Zimbabwe, which he likens to the intractable problems of Northern Ireland; though if Mr Mbeki stopped giving Robert Mugabe free electricity, Zimbabwe's appalling leader would surely not last long.Redeeming the continentHis intimates say that Mr Mbeki has a fervour to do good in Africa.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intimates", consider whether "close friends", "confidants", or "inner circle" might be more precise, depending on the specific relationship you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "intimates" in highly formal or professional settings where more neutral terms like "colleagues" or "associates" would be more appropriate. "Intimates" suggests a level of personal closeness that may not be suitable in every context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intimates" is as a plural noun. It refers to a group of people with whom one shares a close, personal, and often private relationship. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of its usage, providing numerous examples where "intimates" functions as a noun referring to close companions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimates" is a grammatically correct and frequently used plural noun that refers to people with whom one shares a close and personal relationship. Ludwig AI indicates that its primary function is to emphasize the depth and closeness of relationships. Although generally neutral in tone, care should be taken to avoid overuse in very formal contexts. Usage is common in news and media, as well as academic writing, with its meaning often interchangeable with phrases like "close friends" or ""confidants"", depending on the intended nuance. Therefore, you can confidently use this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close friends

Focuses specifically on friendship, excluding other intimate relationships.

confidants

Emphasizes the sharing of secrets and personal matters.

inner circle

Highlights belonging to a group of trusted individuals.

closest companions

Emphasizes companionship and shared experiences.

inner circle

Focuses on a select group of trusted advisors or close associates.

bosom buddies

Implies a very close and affectionate friendship; less formal.

soulmates

Refers to individuals deeply connected on a spiritual or emotional level.

intimate partners

Specifically refers to romantic or sexual relationships.

trusted allies

Focuses on reliance and mutual support, especially in challenging situations.

personal confidantes

Underscores the role of trusted individuals in receiving personal secrets.

FAQs

How can I use "intimates" in a sentence?

You can use "intimates" to refer to close friends or people with whom you share a deep connection. For example, "She only shares her deepest fears with her "confidants" and "intimates"".

What are some alternatives to "intimates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "close friends", ""confidants"", "inner circle", or "closest companions".

Is "intimates" a formal or informal term?

"Intimates" leans towards a more personal and less formal tone. In professional or very formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "associates" or "colleagues".

Can "intimates" refer to romantic partners?

While "intimates" can include romantic partners, it isn't exclusively used for them. To specifically refer to romantic partners, consider using "intimate partners".