intimacy
Intimacy is a state of being very close to another person in a friendship or a romantic relationship. it involves sharing deep feelings, personal thoughts, and having a strong emotional bond.
Examples
3 of 5The small candles in the room created a sense of intimacy.
The small candles in the room created a sense of closeness.
The writer describes the intimacy of family life in her new book.
The writer describes the closeness of family life in her new book.
I really value the intimacy we share as best friends.
I really value the closeness we share as best friends.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'In-to-me-see'. When there is intimacy, you let someone 'see into you' or see your real self.
Quick Quiz
Spending time talking every night helped the couple develop a deep ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intimacy
Examples
The small candles in the room created a sense of intimacy.
everydayThe small candles in the room created a sense of closeness.
The writer describes the intimacy of family life in her new book.
formalThe writer describes the closeness of family life in her new book.
I really value the intimacy we share as best friends.
informalI really value the closeness we share as best friends.
The study explores the link between emotional intimacy and mental health.
academicThe study explores the link between emotional closeness and mental health.
Small office spaces can sometimes lack the intimacy needed for deep collaboration.
businessSmall office spaces can sometimes lack the personal connection needed for deep collaboration.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in the intimacy of
in the private setting of
lack of intimacy
not having enough closeness
shared intimacy
closeness experienced together
Often Confused With
Privacy is about being alone or hidden, while intimacy is about sharing something deep with someone else.
Intimation is a hint or suggestion, whereas intimacy is a state of closeness.
Usage Notes
Intimacy can refer to physical, emotional, or intellectual closeness. While often used in romantic contexts, it is perfectly appropriate for describing close friends or family.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use this word only to mean sexual contact, but in English, it much more frequently refers to emotional trust and sharing secrets.
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'In-to-me-see'. When there is intimacy, you let someone 'see into you' or see your real self.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'intimus', which means 'innermost' or 'deepest'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'emotional intimacy' is considered a vital part of a healthy marriage or long-term partnership.
Quick Quiz
Spending time talking every night helped the couple develop a deep ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intimacy
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