in·sin·u·ate /ɪnˈsɪnjəˌwet/
(vt.)巴結,暗示,使潛入
In·sin·u·ate v. 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.
He insinuated himself into the very good grace of the Duke of Buckingham. --Clarendon.
Syn: -- To instill; hint; suggest; intimate.
In·sin·u·ate, v. 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. --Shak.
To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my limbs. --Shak.
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insinuate
v 1: introduce or insert (oneself) in a subtle manner; "He
insinuated himself into the conversation of the people
at the nearby table"
2: give to understand; "I insinuated that I did not like his
wife" [syn: intimate, adumbrate]