adjective

1. pertaining to the inmost character of a thing; fundamental the intimate structure of the atom
2. most private or personal his intimate feelings
3. closely acquainted or associated; very familiar an intimate friend
4. promoting a feeling of privacy, coziness, romance, etc. an intimate nightclub
5. 1. resulting from careful study or investigation; thorough an intimate knowledge of French
   2. very close intimate acquaintance with the facts
6. having illicit sexual relations: a euphemism

Etymology: altered (infl. by the v.) < earlier intime < Fr < L intimus, superl. of intus, within: see intestine

noun

transitive verb intimated -·mat′ed, intimating -·mat′·ing

1. Archaic to make known formally; announce
2. to make known indirectly; hint or imply

Etymology: < L intimatus, pp. of intimare, to announce < intimus