WordGarden.ioimplicit
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmplˈɪsɪt/
US
- /ˌɪmˈplɪsət/
Meanings
Adjective
suggested or understood without being directly stated
contained in something as a necessary or natural part
complete and unquestioning, especially of trust or belief
More meaningsFewer meanings
operating without conscious awareness or deliberate attention
Beyond the definition
Sometimes the most important things aren't said directly, but they are understood anyway. That is the essence of "implicit." Think of a silent agreement between best friends; you don't need to spell out every expectation because it is implicit in your bond. Or imagine someone rolling their eyes after you tell a joke—the disapproval is implicit in their gesture, even if they never actually say, "That wasn't funny!"
"Implicit" often appears when we talk about unspoken rules or strong trust. An implicit rule might be "don't interrupt," something everyone follows without it being written in a handbook. In the world of math and science, an implicit function is one where the relationship between variables is shown indirectly rather than being mapped out clearly. It's all about what is suggested beneath the surface rather than what is explicitly stated.
The word "implicit" describes something that is suggested or understood though not plainly expressed. It serves as the direct opposite of "explicit," which refers to information that is clearly and literally stated. Think of it as a hidden meaning or a subtle understanding that exists entirely beneath the surface of a conversation or situation.
For example, if a person avoids eye contact while answering a question, there may be an implicit suggestion that they are not being fully honest. You don't need them to tell you; their behavior hints at it. Beyond just "unspoken," the word can also describe a type of complete, unquestioning confidence. If you have "implicit trust" in someone, your trust is so strong that it doesn't require proof or constant verbal reassurance.
"Implicit" is also a vital term in academic and professional contexts. In mathematics, an implicit function is defined by an equation where the relationship between variables isn't directly isolated. In psychology, "implicit bias" refers to the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our actions without our conscious realization. You might also encounter "implicit learning," which is the process of acquiring knowledge—like the complex grammar of your native tongue—without ever being formally taught the rules.
Whether you are deciphering unspoken social cues, analyzing complex equations, or exploring the hidden corners of the human mind, "implicit" points to a meaning woven into the fabric of things without being shouted aloud.
Examples
- 1
Family trust
Young children often have implicit trust in their parents.
- 2
Unspoken agreement
We had an implicit agreement that whoever arrived first would save a seat.
- 3
Workplace expectations
Her role carried the implicit expectation that she would be available on weekends.
- 4
Apology
It was implicit in his apology that he wanted to start over.
- Patternimplicit in + statement/action
understood as part of it, even if not said directly
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Silent approval
The manager's silence was taken as implicit approval.
- 6
Family rules
In many families, there are implicit rules about who speaks first at the dinner table.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- implicit assumption
- implicit meaning
- implicit agreement
- implicit in
Word family
- implicitly
- implicitness
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- implicitadjective