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Implying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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implying

[ɪmˈplaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

To suggest or indicate something indirectly or without explicitly stating it.

Synonyms

hint, insinuate, suggest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suggest

Use when proposing an idea, plan, or possibility directly or indirectly.

  • I suggest we take a break and come back to this problem.
  • She suggested that we go to the new restaurant downtown.
hint

Best used when giving a very subtle or indirect suggestion or piece of information, often to spark someone's realization.

  • He gave her a hint about what to expect on the test.
  • She hinted that she might want a new book for her birthday.
insinuate

Has a negative connotation; use when expressing something indirectly to suggest something bad or unsavory about someone or something.

  • He insinuated that his colleague had been dishonest.
  • She insinuated that the manager was responsible for the error.

Examples of usage

  • She was implying that I should leave.
  • His tone of voice implied that he was not happy with the situation.
Context #2 | Verb

in writing

To convey a meaning indirectly through words or actions.

Synonyms

hint, indicate, suggest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
implying

Used when subtly suggesting something without saying it directly, often through hints or indirect language.

  • She kept implying that she knew more than she was letting on.
  • His tone was implying that he was unhappy with the decision.
suggest

Used when proposing an idea or giving advice, often in a manner that's open for consideration by others.

  • I suggest taking an umbrella, just in case it rains.
  • He suggested that we start the meeting at 9 AM.
indicate

Used to clearly show or point out something, often based on evidence or physical gestures.

  • The map indicates where to find the nearest gas station.
  • Studies indicate that regular exercise improves overall health.
hint

Used when providing a subtle or indirect suggestion, often in a more casual or less serious context than 'implying'. It can also be used in the context of giving a small clue.

  • He gave me a hint about what to expect on the test.
  • She dropped a hint that she wanted a new necklace for her birthday.

Examples of usage

  • The author was implying a deeper message in her novel.
  • The painting seemed to imply a sense of loneliness.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Communication

  • In conversations, implying can make discussions more engaging by leaving room for interpretation, helping listeners take an active role.
  • Non-verbal cues like facial expressions and gestures often imply more than words can say, adding depth to communication.
  • Psychologists say that implying builds relationships as people learn to read between the lines, creating understanding.

Literature

  • Many authors use implications to create suspense, letting readers infer deeper meanings without spelling everything out.
  • In poetry, suggesting emotions through imagery instead of stating them directly invites the reader to connect personally.
  • Classic literature often implies social critiques, where characters represent larger ideas and moral questions without overtly discussing them.

Philosophy

  • The concept of implication is crucial in philosophical discussions, where it helps explore how one statement may suggest another.
  • In logic, implications are essential in constructing arguments, showing how conclusions can be inferred from premises.
  • Philosophers like Aristotle examined implications in rhetoric, debating how meanings are conveyed effectively in persuasion.

Origin of 'implying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'implicare', meaning 'to fold in' or 'to involve', which shows how it connects thoughts together.
  • It began to be used in English during the late 16th century, as people started to communicate more abstract ideas.
  • Old French influenced its adoption, where 'impliquer' also pointed to meaning and involvement.

The word 'implying' comes from the Middle English word 'emplyen', which means 'to enfold or entwine'. The word has evolved over time to its current usage in English, where it is commonly used to suggest or indicate something indirectly. The concept of implication has been studied in logic and linguistics, highlighting the importance of indirect meaning in communication.

See also: implied, imply.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,928 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.