hints

Noun

hint (plural hints)

1. A clue.
   • I needed a hint to complete the crossword.

   Synonyms:

   indication, tip

2. An implicit suggestion that avoids a direct statement.
   • He gave me a hint that my breath smelt.

   Synonyms:

   allusion, implication, innuendo, insinuation, nod

3. A small, barely detectable amount.
   • There was a hint of irony in his voice.

   Synonyms:

   touch, trace, ace, atom, thought, atomy, aught, bissel, continental, bit

4. Information in a computer-based font that suggests how the outlines of the font's glyphs should be distorted in order to produce, at specific sizes, a visually appealing pixel-based rendering; an instance of hinting.
   • This font does not scale well to small sizes; the hints for the 10-point letter 'g' still need work.
5. An instruction to the database engine as to how a query should be executed, for example whether to use an index or not.
6. (obsolete) An opportunity; occasion; fit time.
   • I, not remembering how I cried out then, / Will cry it o'er again: it is a hint / That wrings mine eyes to't.1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published...

   Synonyms:

   chance, moment

See all 11 meanings of hint