implicit

/ɪmˈplɪsɪt/

Say it: im-PLIS-it

1. adjective Suggested or understood without being stated directly.
There was an implicit agreement between them that they would not discuss the past.
2. adjective Always existing as a part of something, though not always obvious; inherent.
The risk of failure is implicit in any ambitious startup.
3. adjective Complete and without any doubt or reservation.
She had implicit trust in her doctor's judgment.

📖 Seen in the wild

There was an implicit understanding between them that she would handle the finances.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ implicit in a sentence

The new dress code carried an implicit message about the company's shift towards a more corporate culture.
His silence was taken as implicit consent to the plan.
Many fairy tales have an implicit moral that is not spelled out for the reader.
The value of teamwork is implicit in the way the project is structured.
Even in the most egalitarian societies, implicit hierarchies can form.
The journalist's questions contained an implicit criticism of the official's response.
In many programming languages, the data type of a variable can be implicit, determined by the value it is assigned.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

implied unstated unspoken tacit inherent understood unquestioning absolute

implied · suggests a more conscious act of hinting at something.

unstated · focuses on the fact that something was not said aloud.

unspoken · often refers to mutual feelings or agreements between people.

tacit · specifically describes an agreement or approval that is understood without words.

Opposites: explicit, direct, stated, expressed, overt

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'implicit' comes from the Latin 'implicitus', meaning 'entangled' or 'involved', which is the past participle of the verb 'implicare', 'to fold in'. This origin beautifully captures the modern sense of a meaning being 'folded into' a statement or situation rather than being laid out openly.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

implicit assumptionimplicit biasimplicit trustimplicit agreementimplicit criticismimplicit understanding

The most common point of confusion is between 'implicit' and its antonym, 'explicit'. Remember that implicit means suggested or folded in, while explicit means stated plainly or laid out. Using 'implicit' adds subtlety, but ensure your intended meaning remains clear. The phrase 'implicit bias' has become a very common and specific collocation in modern discussions of psychology and sociology.

Word family: implicitly, implicitness, implicate, implication

💬 Quick answers

What does 'implicit' mean in simple terms?

It means something is suggested or understood without being said directly. It's the opposite of being obvious and spelled out.

What is the difference between 'implicit' and 'explicit'?

Implicit means something is hinted at or part of the background, while explicit means it is stated clearly and directly, leaving no room for doubt. Think 'folded in' versus 'laid out'.

What is an 'implicit bias'?

An implicit bias is an unconscious attitude or stereotype that affects our understanding and decisions. For example, someone might unconsciously associate certain jobs with a specific gender without realizing it.

Is 'implicit' a formal word?

'Implicit' is a neutral to formal word. It is common in writing and educated speech but might sound a bit academic in very casual conversation.

1 word nerd collected it V

Want "implicit" to actually stick?

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

Start for free →