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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'implicitus', meaning 'involved' or 'entangled', referring to something that is not outright or obvious.
It entered the English language in the early 17th century, initially describing things that were implied rather than expressed directly.
Related terms include 'explict', which means something clearly stated, showing the contrast in how we communicate.

Psychology

Implicit memories are formed without conscious effort, such as riding a bicycle, which you can do without thinking about it.
People often have implicit biases—attitudes or stereotypes that affect understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.
Implicit learning occurs without awareness, for example, picking up grammar rules from conversations without studying them.

Communication

Implicit communication relies on context, tone, and body language rather than words, often creating subtle meanings.
Non-verbal cues in conversations can carry implicit messages, such as a raised eyebrow indicating surprise or doubt.
Cultural differences play a significant role in implicit communication; what is understood in one culture may not be in another.

Education

Implicit assumptions in textbooks may lead students to misunderstand key concepts if they are not explicitly taught.
Teachers often use implicit learning strategies, such as collaborative learning, to help students grasp complex ideas naturally.
Constructivist theories in education emphasize the role of implicit knowledge in shaping how learners interact with new information.

Literature

Authors use implicit themes to convey deeper messages, allowing readers to find meaning beyond the text's literal interpretation.
Metaphors and symbolism in poetry often rely on implicit meanings, encouraging readers to engage critically with the text.
In storytelling, characters may express implicit emotions, leading readers to infer their feelings through actions rather than words.

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

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.

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6060 peer
6061 republic
6062 conditioning
6063 implicit
6064 tendencies
6065 ambitious
6066 broker
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