Words / B1

HINT/hɪnt/

A hint is a small sign or an indirect suggestion: a hint of; drop a hint; take the hint. Clue is a close twin in puzzles; suggestion can be more open. As a verb, hint at. Mark schemes may give a hint, not a full answer. Do not write “a hint for” when you mean advice — use tip.

Meaning

A small sign or an indirect suggestion (a hint of; drop a hint).

Examples

• “The mark scheme gave a hint, not a full worked answer.”
• “There was a hint of mould behind the radiator, which is the “small sign” sense.”

Good to know

a hint of; drop / take a hint. Verb: hint at. Close: a clue. Everyday advice: a tip. Exams: hints in mark schemes.

Near in meaning

clue

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