imply
C1Formal and Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to suggest or express something indirectly without stating it explicitly.
to involve as a necessary or logical consequence; to signify or entail.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The act of implying places responsibility on the listener/reader to infer meaning. The speaker/writer intends a meaning beyond the literal words, but the listener may misinterpret it. Distinct from 'infer', which is the act of the listener deducing meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Equally common and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English according to some corpora, but high frequency in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO: [Someone] implies [something].SVOthat: [Someone] implies that [clause].SVO: [Evidence/Action] implies [conclusion].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By implication”
- “To imply otherwise”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports and meetings to suggest conclusions without direct accusation, e.g., 'The data implies a need for strategic review.'
Academic
Common in logical argumentation and textual analysis, e.g., 'The author implies a critique of the prevailing theory.'
Everyday
Used in conversation to hint at something, e.g., 'Are you implying I'm late?'
Technical
In logic and mathematics, describes a relationship where one proposition leads to another.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- His tone implied a degree of scepticism.
- The report implies significant underfunding in the NHS.
- She didn't say it, but she strongly implied agreement.
American English
- The contract implies certain responsibilities for the tenant.
- His smile implied he knew the secret.
- The study's findings imply a need for policy change.
adverb
British English
- She impliedly consented by her actions.
- The clause was impliedly incorporated into the contract.
American English
- Authority was impliedly granted by the circumstances.
- The promise was impliedly made.
adjective
British English
- The implied terms of the agreement were contentious.
- There was an implied criticism in her remarks.
American English
- The document contains an implied warranty.
- He felt an implied threat in the lawyer's letter.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He didn't answer, which implies he doesn't know.
- Are you implying I made a mistake?
- Smiling usually implies happiness.
- Her email implied she wouldn't be coming to the meeting.
- The dark clouds imply it will rain soon.
- Silence often implies agreement.
- The evidence implies a connection between the two events.
- The author implies a critique of modern society without stating it directly.
- His refusal to comment was taken to imply guilt.
- The treaty implies a mutual obligation to defend against aggression.
- The philosophical argument implies that free will is an illusion.
- Such a high level of investment implies considerable confidence in the project's success.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IMPLY = I Make a Point, Leaving You to deduce it.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A PATH (hinting at a direction without walking the whole path); KNOWING IS SEEING (pointing towards something without showing it fully).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'подразумевать' (more 'to mean/signify'). Правильный перевод — 'намекать', 'давать понять', 'иметь следствием'.
- Путаница с 'infer' (выводить, заключать). Помните: speaker/writer implies, listener/reader infers.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'infer' when you mean 'imply' (e.g., 'Are you inferring I'm wrong?').
- Using 'that' incorrectly or omitting it (correct: 'He implied that he was unhappy.').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses 'imply'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Imply' is what the speaker or writer does: they hint or suggest indirectly. 'Infer' is what the listener or reader does: they deduce or conclude from evidence. A speaker implies, a listener infers.
Yes, it is neutral. One can imply praise, a compliment, or a positive outcome just as easily as a criticism or threat. The act of implying is not inherently negative.
No, it is generally incorrect. The standard patterns are 'imply something' or 'imply that...'. Avoid 'imply about something'. (Incorrect: She implied about the problem. Correct: She implied there was a problem.)
Not necessarily. While often intentional, actions, evidence, or situations can also imply things without human intent. For example, 'The locked door implied the building was closed.' The door isn't intending anything; it suggests a conclusion.