Insinuate vs. Assume

By Jaxson

  • Insinuate

    An innuendo is a hint, insinuation or intimation about a person or thing, especially of a denigrating or a derogatory nature. It can also be a remark or question, typically disparaging (also called insinuation), that works obliquely by allusion. In the latter sense the intention is often to insult or accuse someone in such a way that one’s words, taken literally, are innocent.

    According to the Advanced Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, an innuendo is “an indirect remark about somebody or something, usually suggesting something bad, mean or rude”, such as: “innuendos about her private life” or “The song is full of sexual innuendo”.The term sexual innuendo has acquired a specific meaning, namely that of a “risqué” double entendre by playing on a possibly sexual interpretation of an otherwise innocent uttering. For example: “We need to go deeper” can be seen as either a request for further inquiry, or a request to go deeper into an intimate part.

    In the context of defamation law, an innuendo meaning is one which is not directly contained in the words complained of, but which would be understood by those reading it based on special knowledge.

Wikipedia
  • Insinuate (verb)

    To hint; to suggest tacitly while avoiding a direct statement.

    “She insinuated that her friends had betrayed her.”

  • Insinuate (verb)

    To creep, wind, or flow into; to enter gently, slowly, or imperceptibly, as into crevices.

  • Insinuate (verb)

    To ingratiate; to obtain access to or introduce something by subtle, cunning or artful means.

  • Assume (verb)

    to authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof

    “We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.”

  • Assume (verb)

    to take on a position, duty or form

    “Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.”

  • Assume (verb)

    to adopt a feigned quality or manner

  • Assume (verb)

    to receive, adopt

  • Assume (verb)

    to adopt an idea or cause

Wiktionary

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