What does "suggestion" mean?
Suggestion: That which is suggested; an intimation; an insinuation; a hint; a different proposal or mention; also, formerly, a secret incitement; temptation. Why do I yield to that suggestion Shak.
Additional senses
- 2.Charge; complaint; accusation. [Obs.] "A false suggestion." Chaucer.
- 3.(Law) Information without oath; an entry of a material fact or circumstance on the record for the information of the court, at the death or insolvency of a party.
- 4.(Physiol. & Metaph.) The act or power of originating or recalling ideas or relations, distinguished as original and relative; -- a term much used by Scottish metaphysicians from Hutcherson to Thomas Brown. -- Suggestion, Hint. A hint is the briefest or most indirect mode of calling one's attention to a subject. A suggestion is a putting of something before the mind for consideration, an indirect or guarded mode of presenting argument or advice. A hint is usually something slight or covert, and may by merely negative in its character. A suggestion is ordinarily intended to furnish us with some practical assistance or direction. "He gave me a hint of my danger, and added some suggestions as to the means of avoiding it." Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike, Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike. Pope. Arthur, whom they say is killed to-night On your suggestion. Shak.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00