rather intimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather intimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a close or personal relationship or situation that involves a level of familiarity or closeness. Example: "Their conversation was rather intimate, revealing secrets they had never shared with anyone else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It was rather intimate, and he did cut me.

The New York Times - Magazine

That combination means that the military has rather intimate knowledge of the populations of cities and neighborhoods across Iran.

The New York Times

The entire tomb was a rather intimate space where the family could come to bring offerings and say prayers".

The New York Times - Arts

Smoking is an instant conversation starter, and there's something rather intimate about leaning in to light a cigarette (forgetting what it will do to your health, of course).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Crime (and its causes) happens to have a long and colorful history and a rather intimate place in the hearts of the British people.

The New York Times

But then one of the staff gave me a frankly rather intimate wash while I was still in bed and I'm now planning to book for next Easter".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Faute morale" is not French for "complete abuse of power", but rather intimates something far more nebulous, artificial, even.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though manifestly sincere, it sounds strangely administrative rather than intimate.

Independent

He has friends, but they are social rather than intimate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The great Liszt moment of recent months was, rather, an intimate one.

The New Yorker

In 2007, he came out with "Michael Tolliver Lives," which he insisted was not a new installment but rather an "intimate and simple novel of daily life in the Castro".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather intimate" to describe situations or relationships where there is a notable degree of closeness and familiarity, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

While "rather intimate" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "quite personal" or "relatively close" /s/quite+personal that maintain a level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather intimate" functions primarily as a pre-modifier to a noun, adding a nuanced description of the noun's quality. As Ludwig confirms, it modifies nouns to indicate a degree of closeness, familiarity, or personal connection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather intimate" is a versatile descriptor used to convey a notable degree of closeness or familiarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and fairly common, appearing most frequently in news and media. While suitable for many contexts, overusing it in formal writing should be avoided; alternatives such as "quite personal" /s/quite+personal or "relatively close" might be more appropriate. Its communicative purpose is to add nuance to descriptions, indicating a personal connection that's more than casual. While it enjoys common usage, bear in mind that it's more suited for settings that are neutral or informal and avoid using it in highly formal or professional environments. In essence, "rather intimate" is a handy phrase for adding depth to descriptions while staying mindful of the context and the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite personal

Emphasizes the personal nature of the subject, similar to intimate but with a slightly different nuance.

fairly close

Highlights the closeness in a relationship or situation, focusing on the degree of proximity or connection.

somewhat familiar

Suggests a level of familiarity that is more than casual but less intense than intimate.

reasonably close-knit

Describes a group or community with strong bonds, akin to an intimate relationship on a larger scale.

remarkably personal

Emphasizes the unexpected or noteworthy aspect of something being personal or intimate.

noticeably private

Focuses on the private or secluded nature of something, implying a degree of intimacy through exclusivity.

distinctly familiar

Highlights the clear and recognizable familiarity in a situation or relationship.

considerably close

Indicates a significant degree of closeness, suggesting a bond that is substantial and meaningful.

appreciably intimate

Emphasizes the noticeable or measurable quality of being intimate, implying a clear level of closeness.

markedly personal

Highlights the distinctive or noticeable nature of something being personal, akin to a heightened sense of intimacy.

FAQs

How can I use "rather intimate" in a sentence?

You can use "rather intimate" to describe a setting, conversation, or relationship that involves closeness and familiarity. For example, "The restaurant had a "rather intimate" atmosphere, perfect for a quiet date."

What's a good alternative to "rather intimate"?

Alternatives to "rather intimate" include "quite personal" /s/quite+personal, "fairly close" /s/fairly+close, or "somewhat familiar", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rather intimate" in formal writing?

While "rather intimate" isn't strictly incorrect, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "relatively close" or "highly personal" that maintain a more professional tone.

What does "rather intimate" imply?

"Rather intimate" suggests a level of closeness or familiarity that is more than casual but not necessarily deeply intense. It implies a comfortable and personal connection.