implication

/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/

Say it: im-plih-KAY-shun

1. noun A conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated; a suggestion or unspoken meaning.
The implication of her sigh was that she was disappointed with the results.
2. noun A likely consequence or effect of an action or decision.
The company is studying the financial implications of closing the factory.
3. noun The state of being involved in something, especially an incriminating act; involvement.
His implication in the scandal forced him to resign from his post.

📖 Seen in the wild

The implication of her silence was that she did not agree with the proposal.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ implication in a sentence

The report's clear implication is that the system is failing and needs a complete overhaul.
Before you accept the job offer, consider all the implications, including the long commute.
He was offended by the implication that he couldn't be trusted with the secret.
The discovery of water on Mars has profound implications for the search for extraterrestrial life.
She denied any implication in the theft, though her fingerprints were found at the scene.
By implication, if you support the cause, you should also support its leaders.
The political implications of the treaty were debated for weeks in parliament.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

suggestion insinuation inference connotation consequence ramification undertone involvement

suggestion · less direct and conclusive; more of a hint.

insinuation · carries a negative tone, implying something sly or malicious.

inference · focuses on the logical step made by the listener, whereas implication is what the speaker provides.

connotation · refers to the emotional or cultural idea a word invokes, not a logical conclusion.

Opposites: explicit statement, direct assertion, declaration, proof

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'implication' comes from the Latin verb 'implicare', meaning 'to fold in, entangle, or involve'. This origin neatly connects its two main modern senses: a meaning that is 'folded into' a statement without being said aloud, and the state of being 'entangled' in a situation or crime.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

by implicationclear implicationserious implicationsfinancial implicationspolitical implicationshave implications for

A common point of confusion is the relationship between 'imply' and 'infer'. A speaker or a piece of evidence implies something. A listener or observer infers something from what they hear or see. Therefore, an 'implication' is the hint being given out, not the conclusion being drawn. The word often carries a serious weight, especially when discussing the 'implications' (consequences) of a decision or someone's 'implication' (involvement) in a crime.

Word family: implicate, imply, implicative

💬 Quick answers

What does 'implication' mean in simple terms?

It's an unspoken hint or suggestion that something is true. It can also mean the future effect of an action, or being involved in something, usually a crime.

What's the difference between 'implication' and 'ramification'?

An 'implication' is a likely or suggested result. A 'ramification' is a more complex and often unexpected consequence that branches out from an action, and it almost always has a negative feel.

Is 'implication' a formal word?

It is a standard, neutral word used in both formal and everyday contexts. It is more common in writing and considered speech than in very casual conversation.

How is 'implication' related to 'imply' and 'infer'?

An implication is the thing that someone implies. A speaker or writer implies a meaning without stating it, and a listener or reader infers that meaning from the available clues.

1 word nerd collected it V

Want "implication" to actually stick?

Save it to your own vault, let AI explain it, practice till it's yours.

Start for free →