Implied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค”
Add to dictionary

implied

[ษชmหˆplaษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in communication

Suggested or understood without being directly expressed. Implied meanings often rely on context and tone to convey the intended message.

Synonyms

implicit, inferred, tacit, understood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
implied

Use 'implied' when something is suggested indirectly without being explicitly stated.

  • Her tone of voice implied that she was not happy
  • The manager's silence implied agreement
inferred

Use 'inferred' when someone reaches a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning rather than direct statements.

  • From his rough hands, we inferred he worked with manual labor
  • The scientist inferred the outcome based on the data collected
understood

Use 'understood' when something is clearly known or grasped by all parties, often without requiring further explanation.

  • It was understood that everyone should arrive by 9 AM
  • We have an understood policy of confidentiality in our team
implicit

Use 'implicit' when something is understood without being directly stated, often referring to underlying assumptions or inherent understanding.

  • There was implicit trust between the partners
  • The rules have an implicit requirement for privacy
tacit

Use 'tacit' when something is understood or implied without being spoken or written, often referring to unspoken agreements or consent.

  • There was a tacit agreement that they would not discuss politics
  • Their nods were a tacit acknowledgment of the plan

Examples of usage

  • The speaker never explicitly stated his opinion, but it was implied through his tone.
  • Her smile implied agreement with the proposal.
Context #2 | Verb

in actions

To indicate or suggest something indirectly. Implied actions can be subtle and require careful observation to interpret correctly.

Synonyms

hinted, insinuated, intimated, suggested.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
implied

Implied is used when something is not directly stated but is understood from the context or the way something is said.

  • He implied that he was not happy with the decision without saying it directly
  • The answer was implied in her smile
hinted

Hinted suggests a slight or indirect suggestion or piece of information, usually when trying to indicate something gently or subtly.

  • She hinted that she might be available for dinner
  • He hinted about wanting a new watch for his birthday
suggested

Suggested is used for offering an idea, plan, or advice usually in a helpful or constructive manner.

  • He suggested that they meet at the cafe
  • She suggested a new method for completing the project
insinuated

Insinuated carries a negative connotation and is used when someone suggests something in a sly or deceitful manner, often to convey a negative implication without saying it outright.

  • He insinuated that his coworker was responsible for the mistake
  • She insinuated that their neighbor was up to something suspicious
intimated

Intimated is used when communicating something delicately or indirectly, often in a serious or formal context.

  • He intimated that the company might be facing some financial difficulties
  • She intimated her wish to retire soon

Examples of usage

  • She implied her disapproval by crossing her arms and frowning.
  • The lack of response implied a lack of interest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often rely on implied messages to understand social cues, allowing for deeper connections without explicit communication.
  • Subtle hints and implied messages can affect decision-making, as individuals might infer meaning from context rather than direct statements.
  • Cognitive biases can influence how we interpret implied meanings, leading to misunderstandings or assumptions based on incomplete information.

Literature

  • Writers frequently use implied meanings to create subtext in dialogue, adding layers of meaning beyond the spoken words.
  • Poetry often relies on implied imagery, where the meaning isn't directly stated but suggested through vivid descriptions and metaphors.
  • In classic literature, characters often imply their feelings through actions rather than words, creating tension and complexity.

Communication

  • Implied messages are an essential part of non-verbal communication, where body language conveys feelings and intentions.
  • Cultural differences can affect how implied meanings are understood; whatโ€™s implied in one culture might be interpreted differently in another.
  • In some situations, implied statements can lead to greater empathy, as listeners pick up on feelings that are not verbally expressed.

Pop Culture

  • Many sitcoms thrive on implied humor, where jokes lie in what characters don't say as much as in what they do.
  • Implied connections between characters often drive the plot in movies, creating suspense as audiences piece together relationships.
  • Social media often uses implied meanings through memes, where images and captions create humor or commentary without explicit wording.

Origin of 'implied'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'implicare,' meaning 'to involve or entangle,' reflecting its meaning of something being hidden within.
  • It entered the English language around the 15th century, first used in relation to involving something in a discussion.
  • Originally, it carried a more literal sense of 'entangled,' before evolving to focus on suggestions and nuances.

The word 'implied' comes from the Latin word 'implฤ“re', meaning 'to fill up'. Over time, it developed the sense of 'to enfold, involve, or entangle'. The modern usage of 'implied' emerged in the 16th century in English to denote something understood or suggested without being directly expressed.


See also: imply, implying.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,875, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.