intimacy
IN-tih-muh-see
/ˈɪntɪməsi/
Close familiarity or friendship; closeness.
Implies deep emotional or physical connection, vulnerability, and mutual understanding, going beyond mere acquaintance.
The story behind the word. The word intimacy traces back to the Latin 'intimus', meaning 'innermost'. To share intimacy is to allow someone into the deepest, most private chambers of your mind and heart.
Word relationships
- closeness: Closeness can refer to physical proximity or simple familiarity, whereas intimacy always implies deep emotional exposure.
- estrangement: Estrangement is the state of being alienated or distanced from someone, the polar opposite of intimacy.
Commonly confused with
- familiarity: Familiarity means knowing someone or something well, but it lacks the deep emotional vulnerability of intimacy.
Word family
- intimate (adjective): Closely acquainted; familiar.
- intimately (adverb): In a close or detailed manner.
Collocations
- emotional intimacy
- physical intimacy
- sense of intimacy
- develop intimacy
Example sentences
- "The therapist noted that true intimacy requires a willingness to be imperfect." A philosophical reflection on relationships
Memory hook
Think of 'Into-me-see' — intimacy is letting someone look deep inside you. Into-me-see
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple professional alignment or superficial acquaintance.
Fun facts
- In the 17th century, 'intimate' was often used as a verb meaning 'to make known' or 'to hint', which is why we still 'intimate' suggestions today.
Related words
Explore more words
acquaintance, camaraderie, rapport, affinity, attachment, confide
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