Implication: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍

Add to dictionary

implication

[ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in logic

The conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated.

Synonyms

consequence, inference, result.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
implication	Used when referring to something suggested or indirectly indicated. It often refers to potential outcomes or meanings. The implication of her words was clear. He was careful about the implications of his actions.
inference	Used when referring to the process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true. It's more about logical reasoning than actual outcomes. We made an inference based on the data gathered. Her inference was drawn from several clues.
consequence	Used when discussing the effect, result, or outcome that happens after an action or decision, often with a negative connotation. Every decision has its consequence. The consequences of the mistake were severe.
result	Used when talking about what happens after an action or event. It is straightforward and can be positive or negative. The experiment yielded surprising results. As a result of the rain, the match was postponed.

Examples of usage

The implication of his words was clear: he would not be attending the meeting.
She didn't say it directly, but the implication was that she was not happy with the decision.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in relationships

The action or state of being involved in something, especially a crime.

Synonyms

complicity, entanglement, involvement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
implication	Used when indicating a consequence or result that is suggested but not directly stated. Often used in discussions related to indirect consequences or inferred meanings. The implication of his statement is that he knew about the fraud but chose to ignore it. Her silence had a clear implication that she did not agree with the decision.
involvement	A more general term used to describe someone's participation or engagement in an activity or situation. It does not carry any inherent positive or negative connotation. Her involvement in the community project helped bring it to success. He denied his involvement in the planning of the event.
complicity	Used in situations involving participation in a wrongful or criminal act. It typically carries a negative connotation. The businessman was arrested for his complicity in the money laundering scheme. Her complicity in the crime was revealed during the investigation.
entanglement	Used to describe a complicated or problematic involvement in something, often with a sense of being trapped or ensnared. She found herself in a legal entanglement after signing the dubious contract. Their romantic entanglement complicated the team's dynamics.

Examples of usage

He denied any implication in the robbery.
Their implication in the scandal shocked everyone.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in linguistics

The relationship between two propositions where the truth of one logically determines the truth of the other.

Synonyms

deduction, entailment, logical consequence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
implication	Used when suggesting something that is not explicitly stated, often hinting at a hidden meaning or consequence. The implication of her statement was that we were not welcome The new policy has serious implications for the company's future
logical consequence	Used in formal discussions or academic settings, usually to emphasize a result that logically follows from a set of premises. A logical consequence of the data is that the hypothesis is confirmed The experiment's results were a logical consequence of the initial parameters
deduction	Often used in logical reasoning or problem-solving to describe the process of deriving a specific conclusion based on general premises. Through careful deduction, the detective uncovered the suspect's identity His deduction skills were impressive during the investigation
entailment	Used more in formal or technical contexts, especially in linguistics and logic, to describe a relationship between statements where one statement necessarily follows from another. In logic, entailment means that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true The lawyer's argument relied heavily on the entailment of the witness's testimony

Examples of usage

The implication of 'if A then B' is that if A is true, then B must also be true.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'implicare,' which means 'to enfold' or 'involve.'
It started being used in English around the late 16th century, originally relating to being involved in something.
Over time, it evolved to mean the indirect suggestion of something rather than a direct statement.

Psychology

Understanding implications is a key part of social interaction, helping people read between the lines.
Studies have shown that people often rely on implications to grasp underlying emotions or motivations beyond spoken words.
Interpreting implications correctly can lead to better communication and relationship dynamics.

Literature

Authors often use implications to develop deeper themes without stating them explicitly, inviting readers to think critically.
In poetry, the use of implication can evoke emotion and resonance, allowing readers to discover meaning on their own.
Classic works like Shakespeare's plays often communicate important messages through implications, creating layers of meaning.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, characters often imply feelings or motivations in their dialogues, adding suspense or tension to the plot.
In many popular songs, lyrics contain implications that suggest emotions or scenarios without detailing them outright.
Memes frequently use implications to convey humor or irony that must be interpreted rather than explained.

Philosophy

Philosophers often debate the implications of ideas, exploring how one belief can affect another.
In ethics, implications are crucial; decisions can have far-reaching consequences that must be considered.
The study of language in philosophy examines how implications shape understanding and communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "implication" in other languages:

🇵🇹 implicação

🇮🇳 अर्थ

🇩🇪 Implikation

🇮🇩 implikasi

🇺🇦 імплікація

🇵🇱 implikacja

🇯🇵 含意

🇫🇷 implication

🇪🇸 implicación

🇹🇷 ima

🇰🇷 함축

🇸🇦 تضمين

🇨🇿 implikace

🇸🇰 implikácia

🇨🇳 含义

🇸🇮 implikacija

🇮🇸 ályktun

🇰🇿 импликация

🇬🇪 განსაზღვრა

🇦🇿 implikasiya

🇲🇽 implicación

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,130 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6127 cottage
6128 toxicity
6129 ensuring
6130 implication
6131 bull
6132 lion
6133 struggling
...