Implicit: meaning, definitions and examples

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implicit

 

[ɪmˈplɪsɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inference

Implied though not plainly expressed; inherent in the nature of something.

Synonyms

inferred, tacit, understood, unspoken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
implicit

Used when something is implied or understood without being openly stated. Often used in formal or academic contexts.

  • There was an implicit agreement between the partners that profits would be shared equally.
  • Her silence was taken as implicit consent.
understood

Used when something is clearly known or accepted by all parties, often without being said. Suitable for everyday usage.

  • It was understood that everyone would bring their own food to the picnic.
  • The rules were understood by all players before the game started.
unspoken

Used when something is felt or communicated without words, often in emotional or sensitive situations.

  • There was an unspoken bond between the siblings.
  • Their relationship was based on an unspoken trust.
tacit

Used when something is understood or implied without being directly expressed. Commonly used in contexts involving social agreements or understandings.

  • There was a tacit understanding between the friends never to discuss the incident again.
  • His nod was a tacit approval of the plan.
inferred

Used when something is concluded or deduced based on evidence and reasoning rather than direct statements. Often found in analytical or academic settings.

  • From his behavior, we inferred that he was unhappy with the decision.
  • The scientist inferred the results from the data collected.

Examples of usage

  • He had an implicit trust in her abilities.
  • The agreement was based on implicit understanding.
  • She gave implicit instructions for the project.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Suggesting, but not plainly expressed; implied.

Synonyms

hinted, implied, suggested.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
implicit

Used when something is understood without being stated directly. It often refers to an unspoken agreement or understanding.

  • The trust between them was implicit.
  • Her approval was implicit in her silence.
hinted

Used when someone suggests something in an indirect way, often subtly or gently. It usually refers to giving a hint or clue.

  • He hinted that she might get a promotion soon.
  • She hinted at her disappointment.
suggested

Used when recommending or putting forward an idea or plan indirectly. It can also refer to a proposal made in a non-forceful way.

  • She suggested going to the beach for the day.
  • His attire suggested that he was ready for a formal event.
implied

Used when something is suggested indirectly through what is said or done. It often indicates that something is inferred from the context.

  • Her tone implied that she was unhappy with the decision.
  • The look on his face implied disbelief.

Examples of usage

  • She gave him an implicit warning.
  • His implicit request for help was clear.

Translations

Translations of the word "implicit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 implícito

🇮🇳 अंतर्निहित

🇩🇪 implizit

🇮🇩 implisit

🇺🇦 неявний

🇵🇱 implikowany

🇯🇵 暗黙の

🇫🇷 implicite

🇪🇸 implícito

🇹🇷 örtük

🇰🇷 암묵적인

🇸🇦 ضمني

🇨🇿 implicitní

🇸🇰 implicitný

🇨🇳 隐含的

🇸🇮 implicitno

🇮🇸 óbeinn

🇰🇿 астарлы

🇬🇪 ნაგულისხმევი

🇦🇿 dolayı

🇲🇽 implícito

Etymology

The word 'implicit' comes from the Latin word 'implicitus', which means 'entangled'. In English, the word started to be used in the mid-17th century to describe something that is hinted at or suggested without being explicitly stated. Over time, 'implicit' has become a common term in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and linguistics.

See also: implicitly.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,063 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.