Suggestion, n.
Etymology: [F. suggestion, L. suggestio.]
1. The act of suggesting; presentation of an idea.
2. 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.
3. Charge; complaint; accusation. [Obs.] "A false suggestion." Chaucer.
4. (Law)
4 more senses
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.
5. (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.
Syn. -- Hint; allusion; intimation; insinuation. -- 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.
Shades of meaning
A suggestion (L. sub, under, and gero, bring) brings something before the mind less directly than by formal or explicit statement, as by a partial statement, an incidental allusion, an illustration, a question, or the like. Suggestion is often used of an unobtrusive statement of one's views or wishes to another, leaving consideration and any consequent action entirely to his judgment, and is hence, in many cases, the most respectful way in which one can convey his views to a superior or a stranger. A suggestion may be given unintentionally, and even unconsciously, as when we say an author has "a suggestive style." An intimation is a suggestion in brief utterance, or sometimes by significant act, gesture, or token, of one's meaning or wishes; in the latter case it is often the act of a superior; as, God in his providence gives us intimations of his will. A hint is still more limited in expression, and is always covert, but frequently with good intent; as, to give one a hint of danger or of opportunity. Insinuation and innuendo are used in the bad sense; an insinuation is a covert or partly veiled injurious utterance, sometimes to the very person attacked; an innuendo is commonly secret as well as sly, as if pointing one out by a significant nod (L. in, in, to, and nuo, nod).