An inkling Meaning in English
expression · lemma: inkling
ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈɪŋkɫɪŋ
an ING-kling, un ING-kling
ˈɐn/ /ˈɪŋklɪŋ
UN ING-kling
Definition
A slight idea, suspicion, or feeling that something might be true or has happened, but without any clear evidence.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in a negative or uncertain way, e.g. 'I didn't have an inkling.' It's informal and often found in conversation or writing when expressing uncertain intuition. Do not confuse with 'hint' (which usually means an explicit clue).
Spanish: indicio - presentimientoPortuguese (BR): suspeita - palpitePortuguese (PT): suspeita - pressentimentoChinese (Simplified): 苗头 - 一点线索Chinese (Traditional): 苗頭 - 一點線索Hindi: आभास - हल्का सा संदेहArabic: إحساس بسيط - فكرة غامضةBengali: একটুও ধারণা - হালকা সন্দেহRussian: смутное подозрение - предчувствиеJapanese: うすうす感じ - 予感Vietnamese: linh cảm - cảm giác mơ hồKorean: 눈치 - 감Turkish: sezgi - hafif bir hisUrdu: ہلکا سا اندازہ - شبہIndonesian: firasa - perasaan samar
Example Sentences
I didn't have an inkling that she was leaving.
basic
He had an inkling something was wrong.
basic
Do you have an inkling about the answer?
basic
I had an inkling he was planning something special.
natural
Even before the meeting started, she had an inkling it wouldn’t go well.
natural
You didn’t give me an inkling about your decision!
natural