Definition

1. Noun:
   • A likely consequence or effect: An idea or conclusion that is suggested or hinted at, though not directly stated.
   • The act of implying or the state of being implied: The process of suggesting something without saying it directly.
   • A close connection, especially in a negative or incriminating way: Involvement in a situation, often suggesting shared responsibility for something wrong.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The implication of his words was that he was unhappy with the decision. (The unstated meaning of his words was dissatisfaction.)
  • She did not realize the full implications of signing the contract. (She did not foresee all the potential consequences.)
  • His implication in the scandal damaged his reputation. (His connection to the scandal caused harm.)

Advanced Usage

• "by implication": In a way that is suggested rather than stated directly.
  • He criticized the leader and, by implication, the entire administration. (His criticism of the leader indirectly criticized the whole group.)
• "carry an implication": To have a particular suggested meaning.
  • Her silence carried the implication of consent. (Her lack of objection suggested she agreed.)

Variants and Related Words

• Imply (verb): To suggest something indirectly.
  • His tone implied he was not convinced.
• Implicative (adjective): Tending to imply or suggest.
  • The statement was highly implicative of future changes.
• Implicit (adjective): Suggested though not directly expressed; understood without being stated.
  • There was an implicit agreement between them.

Synonyms

• Inference: A conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning.
• Connotation: An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal meaning.
• Innuendo: An indirect remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.
• Ramification: A complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.

Related Phrases

• Political implications: The potential effects or consequences on political matters.
  • The new law has serious political implications.
• Moral implication: A suggestion or consequence relating to principles of right and wrong.
  • The story explores the moral implications of the character's choice.

Idioms

• Read between the lines: To look for or understand a hidden or implied meaning.
  • If you read between the lines of his letter, you'll see the real implication.

Noun

1. a relation implicated by virtue of involvement or close connection (especially an incriminating involvement)
   • he was suspected of implication in several robberies
2. a logical relation between propositions p and q of the form `if p then q'; if p is true then q cannot be false
3. an accusation that brings into intimate and usually incriminating connection
4. a meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred
   • the significance of his remark became clear only later
   • the expectation was spread both by word and by implication
5. something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied)
   • his resignation had political implications