suggestively

/səˈdʒestɪvli/ (bre, ipa) · /səˈdʒestɪvli/ (ame, ipa) · /-tə̇vlē,  -li/ (ame, mw)

suggestively — adverb

1. with words, looks, or movements that create a sexual feeling or invite sexual in

1.副詞C1
釋義

with words, looks, or movements that create a sexual feeling or invite sexual interest.

例句

Salma smiled suggestively and tapped the empty seat beside her.

smile + suggestively to invite attention

The dancer moved suggestively as the red stage lights came on.

move + suggestively with body language

同義詞
  • seductively

    stronger and more openly aimed at attracting someone sexually

  • flirtatiously

    lighter and more playful; may be less strongly sexual

  • provocatively

    can include sexual effect, but often sounds bolder or more shocking

反義詞
  • innocently

    without any sexual hint or teasing effect

  • modestly

    with restrained, non-sexual behaviour or presentation

文法句型

smile/look/move + suggestively

speak + suggestively

用法筆記

Most often used when a smile, look, voice, movement, or image carries sexual attraction without saying anything openly. Distinguish this from sense 2, which is about hinting at extra meaning and does not have to be sexual.

常見錯誤

❌He looked suggestively that I should leave.
✅He looked at me suggestively.' or ✅ 'He suggested that I should leave.
💡suggestively describes the manner of a look or action, not a clause pattern.

2. in a way that quietly points to another meaning, letting people guess more than

2.副詞C1
釋義

in a way that quietly points to another meaning, letting people guess more than is said aloud.

例句

Astrid paused suggestively when the mayor mentioned the missing receipt.

pause + suggestively to imply more

Liang tapped the weather map suggestively, hinting that a storm was coming.

gesture + suggestively to hint at unstated meaning

同義詞
  • pointedly

    often sharper and more deliberate, especially in criticism or emphasis

  • meaningfully

    stresses that the action carries extra meaning for the listener

  • knowingly

    suggests the speaker or listener shares secret understanding

反義詞
  • plainly

    without hidden meaning or indirect hint

  • openly

    states the meaning directly instead of implying it

文法句型

pause/glance/laugh + suggestively

gesture/write + suggestively

用法筆記

Used for hints, pauses, looks, or comments that make listeners suspect extra information. Distinguish this from sense 1: this sense may feel teasing, but the hidden meaning does not have to involve sex.

常見錯誤

❌The sign pointed suggestively to the station.
✅The sign pointed to the station.' or ✅ 'Rina smiled suggestively, as if she knew more.
💡suggestively is about implied meaning, not physical direction.