inkling
Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 11:44 am
Inkling (noun)
1. A slight hint, clue, indication or suggestion.
2. A slight knowledge or understanding, or vague idea.
Examples:
"Reading the summary will give you an inkling of what the book is about."
"They had no inkling of the dangers involved in crossing the ocean."
From Middle English inclen, "to hint", "to utter in an undertone".
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, however, it probably comes from Middle English ningkiling or nikking, from nik, "notch, tally", perhaps related to French niche.
1. A slight hint, clue, indication or suggestion.
2. A slight knowledge or understanding, or vague idea.
Examples:
"Reading the summary will give you an inkling of what the book is about."
"They had no inkling of the dangers involved in crossing the ocean."
From Middle English inclen, "to hint", "to utter in an undertone".
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, however, it probably comes from Middle English ningkiling or nikking, from nik, "notch, tally", perhaps related to French niche.