WordGarden.ioimplication
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
something suggested indirectly without being stated
a possible consequence or effect of something
involvement or connection in wrongdoing or blame
More meaningsFewer meanings
a logical relation where one statement entails another
Beyond the definition
An implication isn't something said directly; it's something hinted at or suggested by words or actions. Think of a detective piecing together clues—the evidence doesn't shout, "The butler did it!" but the implications point strongly in that direction.
If your friend says, "It's cold in here," the implication might be that they want you to close the window. Or, if a politician avoids answering a direct question, the implication is often that they don't want to answer. Implications can also be consequences—"The implications of this decision could be far-reaching." It's about reading between the lines and understanding what isn't explicitly stated.
Implication refers to something suggested or hinted at rather than being directly expressed. It is a subtle but powerful concept that plays out in communication, logic, and consequences. For example, if someone says, "I noticed you were at the party last night," without further comment, the implication might be that they're questioning why you didn't invite them.
The word comes from the Latin implicare, meaning "to involve" or "entangle." Think of it like threads woven into a larger pattern—the implications are the hidden connections and meanings within what is being said or done. This linguistic root is also why we use the word when someone is "implicated" (or involved) in a crime.
Implications aren't always intentional. Sometimes, we don't realize the potential consequences of our actions until they become clear; for instance, the implication of a company's careless spending may be eventual bankruptcy. In logic and reasoning, an implication is a statement that follows logically from another. If A implies B, then whenever A is true, B must also be true. This is a foundational element in building logical arguments or drawing conclusions based on evidence.
So, whether you're deciphering hidden meanings in conversation, calculating the consequences of actions, or building logical arguments, implication is about recognizing what is suggested rather than simply what is stated. It requires careful observation and thoughtful interpretation.
Examples
- 1
Tax policy
The new tax law could have big implications for small businesses.
- 2
Life decision
I'm still thinking about the implications of moving to another country.
- 3
Indirect criticism
Her email contained no direct criticism, but the implication was clear.
- 4
Unspoken blame
The implication was that he had made the mistake, even though no one said it openly.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Enrollment trend
If fewer students are applying, the implication is that the course needs to change.
- Patternthe implication is that + clause
this seems to suggest that
- 6
Legal effects
Before you sign anything, make sure you understand the legal implications.
- 7
Scandal involvement
He denied any implication in the scandal.
- Patternimplication in + bad event
involvement in something bad or illegal
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- insinuation
- subtext
- connotation
Contrast
- explicit statement
- denotation
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- by implication
- carry an implication
- the clear implication is
Word family
Explore
- pragmatics
- presupposition
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- implicationnoun
Forms
- implicationspluralnoun