inkling
[ˈɪŋklɪŋ]
[ˈɪŋklɪŋ]
An inkling is a small feeling or idea that you think might be true. It's not a strong guess, but rather a hunch.
You often hear people talk about having an inkling when they suspect something without being sure of it. For example, "I had an inkling that my friend was moving away, so I asked them about it." In this case, the person has a feeling or sense that their friend might be leaving, but they're not positive yet. They might have seen some signs or clues that made them think this way, but they need more information to confirm it. Having an inkling is like having a tiny spark of knowledge or intuition that you can't quite put into words.
How common is "inkling"?
Word inkling is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
Usually preceded by forms of to give: a slight hint, implication, or suggestion given.
intimation
Real examples of "inkling" in context
