
hint
词源
源自中古英语 'henten'(意为抓住),与古英语 'hentan' 相关,后演变为表示间接传达信息的含义。
noun
❶ 暗示或线索,指间接提供的信息,用于帮助理解或解决问题,通常不明显但能引导思考方向。
“She gave me a hint about the surprise party.”
(她向我透露了一点关于惊喜派对的线索。)
“The teacher dropped a hint about the upcoming test.”
(老师暗示了即将到来的考试。)
❶ 少量或微量,指事物存在但不易察觉的迹象或程度。
“There's just a hint of cinnamon in this cake.”
(这块蛋糕里只有一点点肉桂的味道。)
“A hint of garlic makes the sauce more flavorful.”
(一点点蒜末让酱汁更有味道。)
verb
❶ 暗示或间接表示,指通过细微的言行传递信息而不直接说明。
“He hinted that he might leave the company.”
(他暗示他可能会离开公司。)
“She hinted at her dissatisfaction with the decision.”
(她暗示了对这个决定的不满。)
常见短语
take a hint — 领会暗示,指理解别人间接表达的意思并采取相应行动。
“When she kept looking at her watch, I took the hint and left.”
(当她一直看表时,我领会了暗示并离开了。)
drop a hint — 给出暗示,指通过言语或行为间接透露信息。
“He dropped a hint about his new job during the conversation.”
(他在谈话中透露了一点关于新工作的信息。)