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insinuate

Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Insinuate \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.

Insinuate \In*sin"u*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Insinuated}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Insinuating}.] [L. insinuatus, p. p. of
   insinuareto insinuate; pref. in- in + sinus the bosom. See
   {Sinuous}.]
   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.

Source : WordNet®

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}]
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