Intimate vs. Infinite: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
Intimate refers to close familiarity or friendship, whereas Infinite refers to being limitless or endless. The words belong to different semantic fields: Intimate is relational, and Infinite is quantitative.
Key Differences
Intimate is a word commonly used to describe relationships that are characterized by closeness, familiarity, or affection. On the other hand, Infinite is used to describe things that have no limits, whether in time, space, or magnitude. Both words share a thematic link to extremity, but they apply it in different realms: one is social and the other is more mathematical or philosophical.
Intimate can also be used as a verb to suggest or imply something subtly. Infinite, in its adjective form, can modify nouns to express unlimited potential or scope. The verb form of Intimate can have applications in both casual and formal contexts, whereas the adjective form of Infinite is often reserved for more abstract or scientific discussions.
When discussing Intimate, it may relate to personal relationships, deep conversations, or physical closeness. Infinite, however, generally applies to immeasurable aspects like the universe, numbers, or possibilities. Despite their different usages, both words have a degree of impact that draws attention to the subject matter they describe.
Intimate can also appear in various contexts like "intimate apparel" or "intimate dining," signifying specialized or confined settings. Infinite is less flexible in its usage and usually stands out because it denotes something extraordinary, like "infinite possibilities" or "infinite space." These two words may rarely overlap in contexts but are fundamentally different in their primary meanings and usages.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Relational, close
Limitless, without end
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Part of Speech
Mostly Adjective, sometimes Verb
Adjective
Context
Personal, social
Scientific, abstract
Flexibility
High, varies with context
Low, fairly consistent
Emotional Load
Often emotional
Usually neutral or awe-inspiring
Intimate and Infinite Definitions
Intimate
Involving deep emotion or physical closeness
They shared an intimate hug.
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Infinite
Without any limits
The universe is infinite.
Intimate
Private and personal
He shared intimate details about his life.
Infinite
Immeasurably great
Her patience seemed infinite.
Intimate
Characterized by close personal acquaintance or familiarity
Intimate friends.
Infinite
Unrestricted in potential
Infinite possibilities lay ahead.
Intimate
Relating to or indicative of one's deepest nature
Intimate prayers.
Infinite
Too numerous to count
There are infinite stars in the sky.
Intimate
Essential; innermost
The intimate structure of matter.
Infinite
Extended indefinitely
An infinite series of numbers.
Intimate
Marked by informality and privacy
An intimate nightclub.
Infinite
Having no boundaries or limits; impossible to measure or calculate.
Intimate
Very personal; private
An intimate letter.
Infinite
Immeasurably great or large; boundless
Infinite patience.
A discovery of infinite importance.
Intimate
Of or involved in a sexual relationship
Have they been intimate?.
Infinite
Existing beyond or being greater than any arbitrarily large value.
Intimate
A close friend or confidant.
Infinite
Unlimited in spatial extent
A line of infinite length.
Intimate
To state or express indirectly
She intimated that she did not want him to call back.
Infinite
Of or relating to a set capable of being put into one-to-one correspondence with a proper subset of itself.
Intimate
To make evident indirectly
His worn clothes intimated that he was in need of money.
Infinite
Something infinite.
Intimate
(Archaic) To announce; proclaim.
Infinite
Indefinably large, countlessly great; immense.
Intimate
Closely acquainted; familiar.
An intimate friend
He and his sister deeply valued their intimate relationship as they didn't have much else to live for.
Infinite
Boundless, endless, without end or limits; innumerable.
Intimate
Of or involved in a sexual relationship.
She enjoyed some intimate time alone with her husband.
Infinite
(with plural noun) Infinitely many.
Intimate
; private.
An intimate setting
Infinite
(mathematics) Greater than any positive quantity or magnitude; limitless.
Intimate
Pertaining to details that require great familiarity to know.
Infinite
Having infinitely many elements.
Intimate
Very finely mixed.
Black powder consists of an intimate mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur.
Infinite
(grammar) Not limited by person or number.
Intimate
A very close friend.
Only a couple of intimates had ever read his writing.
Infinite
(music) Capable of endless repetition; said of certain forms of the canon, also called perpetual fugues, constructed so that their ends lead to their beginnings.
Intimate
(in plural intimates) women's underwear, sleepwear, or lingerie, especially offered for sale in a store.
You'll find bras and panties in the women's intimates section upstairs.
Infinite
Infinitely many.
Intimate
(ambitransitive) To suggest or disclose (something) discreetly.
He intimated that we should leave before the argument escalated.
Infinite
Something that is infinite in nature.
Intimate
To notify.
I will intimate you when the details are available.
Infinite
(video games) A combo that can be used repeatedly without interruption.
Intimate
Innermost; inward; internal; deep-seated; hearty.
Infinite
Unlimited or boundless, in time or space; as, infinite duration or distance.
Whatever is finite, as finite, will admit of no comparative relation with infinity; for whatever is less than infinite is still infinitely distant from infinity; and lower than infinite distance the lowest or least can not sink.
Intimate
Near; close; direct; thorough; complete.
He was honored with an intimate and immediate admission.
Infinite
Without limit in power, capacity, knowledge, or excellence; boundless; immeasurably or inconceivably great; perfect; as, the infinite wisdom and goodness of God; - opposed to finite.
Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.
O God, how infinite thou art!
Intimate
Close in friendship or acquaintance; familiar; confidential; as, an intimate friend.
Infinite
Indefinitely large or extensive; great; vast; immense; gigantic; prodigious.
Infinite riches in a little room.
Which infinite calamity shall causeTo human life.
Intimate
An intimate friend or associate; a confidant.
Infinite
Greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind; - said of certain quantities.
Intimate
To announce; to declare; to publish; to communicate; to make known.
He, incontinent, did proclaim and intimate open war.
So both conspiring 'gan to intimateEach other's grief.
Infinite
Capable of endless repetition; - said of certain forms of the canon, called also perpetual fugues, so constructed that their ends lead to their beginnings, and the performance may be incessantly repeated.
Intimate
To suggest obscurely or indirectly; to refer to remotely; to give slight notice of; to hint; as, he intimated his intention of resigning his office.
The names of simple ideas and substances, with the abstract ideas in the mind, intimate some real existence, from which was derived their original pattern.
Infinite
That which is infinite; boundless space or duration; infinity; boundlessness.
Not till the weight is heaved from off the air, and the thunders roll down the horizon, will the serene light of God flow upon us, and the blue infinite embrace us again.
Intimate
Someone to whom private matters are confided
Infinite
An infinite quantity or magnitude.
Intimate
Give to understand;
I insinuated that I did not like his wife
Infinite
An infinity; an incalculable or very great number.
Glittering chains, embroidered richly o'erWith infinite of pearls and finest gold.
Intimate
Imply as a possibility;
The evidence suggests a need for more clarification
Infinite
The Infinite Being; God; the Almighty.
Intimate
Marked by close aquaintance, association, or familiarity;
Intimate friend
Intimate relations between economics, politics, and legal principles
Infinite
Having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude;
The infinite ingenuity of man
Infinite wealth
Intimate
Having or fostering a warm or friendly atmosphere; especially through smallness and informality;
Had a cozy chat
A relaxed informal manner
An intimate cocktail lounge
The small room was cozy and intimate
Infinite
Of verbs; having neither person nor number nor mood (as a participle or gerund or infinitive);
Infinite verb form
Intimate
Having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship;
On familiar terms
Pretending she is on an intimate footing with those she slanders
Infinite
Too numerous to be counted;
Incalculable riches
Countless hours
An infinite number of reasons
Innumerable difficulties
The multitudinous seas
Myriad stars
Untold thousands
Intimate
Involved in a sexual relationship;
The intimate (or sexual) relations between husband and wife
She had been intimate with many men
Infinite
Total and all-embracing;
God's infinite wisdom
Intimate
Innermost or essential;
The inner logic of Cubism
The internal contradictions of the theory
The intimate structure of matter
Intimate
Thoroughly acquainted with through study or experience;
This girl, so intimate with nature
KnowledgeaIble about the technique of painting
Intimate
Marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
They had an intimate friendship.
Intimate
Used as a verb, to hint or imply
She intimated that she might leave.
Intimate
Specialized or cozy in nature
The restaurant had an intimate setting.
FAQs
Is Intimate only used in romantic contexts?
No, Intimate can refer to any close relationship, including friendships.
Can Intimate be used in professional settings?
It is less common but possible, especially when suggesting or implying something.
What does Intimate mean?
Intimate often refers to closeness in relationships or settings.
Does Infinite always mean limitless?
Generally, yes. Whether literal or metaphorical, it implies no restrictions.
Is Intimate always an adjective?
Mostly yes, but it can also be used as a verb.
Can Infinite be used in everyday language?
Yes, but it often signifies something extraordinary or limitless.
How can Intimate be used as a verb?
As a verb, Intimate means to hint or suggest something subtly.
Can Infinite be quantified?
By definition, it cannot be measured or quantified.
Can Infinite be plural?
No, Infinite is usually an adjective and does not have a plural form.
What does Infinite mean?
Infinite refers to something without bounds or limits.
Is Infinite always literal?
No, it can be used metaphorically to signify vastness or immense quality.
Is Infinite related to infinity?
Yes, Infinite is the adjective form of the noun 'infinity.'
Is Intimate emotional?
Often, it implies emotional closeness or familiarity.
How is Intimate used in different contexts?
It can range from describing close friendships to specialized settings like dining.
Can Intimate and Infinite be used together?
Rarely, unless discussing a concept like 'infinite intimacy,' which would be metaphorical.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
