intimacy - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intimacy Word Meanings
- A close, private relationship or level of familiarity between people
- The state of being emotionally or physically close, including intimate contact or closeness
- Deep private knowledge or meaningful, confidential understanding of someone or something
intimacy Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intimacy Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪntɪməsi/
US
/ˈɪntɪməsi/
intimacy Word Etymology
Root decomposition: intim- from Latin intimus meaning inner or innermost; suffix -acy forms a noun. Historical origin: Latin intimus → Old French intimité → English intimacy. Memory image: imagine entering the innermost room of a private space and sharing secrets with a trusted friend.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Intimacy refers to a close, private relationship or level of familiarity between people. It can describe emotional closeness, trust, or a sense of safety, as in sharing secrets or having intimate conversations. It can also refer to physical closeness or touch, within appropriate boundaries. Additionally, intimacy means deep private knowledge or meaningful, confidential understanding of someone or something, such as intimate knowledge of a city, a craft, or a family history. In everyday English, we distinguish emotional intimacy from romantic passion, and we contrast it with mere friendliness or acquaintance. Learners should watch for collocations like intimate conversation, intimate relationship, and intimate details to avoid sounding excessively formal or clinical.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Learn the main collocations: intimate conversation, intimate relationship, intimate details.
- 2) Distinguish emotional intimacy from physical intimacy; use context to decide.
- 3) Don’t equate intimacy with romance or privacy.
- 4) Use in non-romantic contexts (intimate knowledge, intimate space).
- 5) Be mindful of tone: intimate can be warm or formal depending on context.
- 6) Practice short dialogues to show different senses.
Common Misconceptions
- Intimacy only means romantic or sexual closeness.
- Intimacy is the same as privacy or secrecy.
- Familiarity with someone automatically equals intimacy.
- Intimacy cannot be used with non-romantic topics.
- Intimacy is always physical.
Thinking Differences
English often frames intimacy as a spectrum: emotional closeness, private knowledge, and sometimes physical closeness. Learners may over-rely on romance or confuse intimacy with mere familiarity. Collocations like intimate conversation are common, but bare 'intimacy' without context sounds abstract.
Learning Tips
- Learn core collocations: intimate conversation, intimate relationship, intimate details.
- Differentiate emotional intimacy from physical intimacy using context.
- Avoid equating intimacy with privacy or secrecy.
- Practice using intimacy in non-romantic contexts (intimate knowledge).
- Note tone: intimacy can be warm or formal depending on setting.
- Role-play short dialogues to show different senses.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'intimacy'?
A.A feeling of sadness
B.A type of food
C.Close relationship or connection
D.A musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'intimacy' correctly?
A.She played the intimacy beautifully.
B.I ate a delicious intimacy for dinner.
C.The intimacy between the two friends was heartwarming.
D.He fixed the intimacy with great care.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'intimacy'?
A.Distance
B.Bond
C.Isolation
D.Hostility
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'intimacy'?
A.Closeness
B.Affection
C.Emotion
D.Detachment
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you experience 'intimacy'?
A.At a crowded concert
B.During a romantic dinner
C.In a noisy construction site
D.While running a marathon
Related Listening
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