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Definition of imply

imply

/ɪmˈplaɪ/
im · ply
Adverb:implicitly
•
Adjective:implicit
•
Past Simple:implied
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Past Participle:implied
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Present Participle:implying
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imply Lexical Profile

imply Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To indicate or suggest a truth, feeling, or meaning indirectly rather than by explicit statement.

Example

"Her hesitant tone seemed to imply that the project was behind schedule."

2

To involve or require something as a necessary logical consequence or condition.

Example

"Academic freedom does not imply an absence of scholarly standards."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for imply
Antonyms
View all antonyms for imply

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'infer': a speaker or text implies (suggests indirectly), whereas a listener or reader infers (deduces a conclusion from evidence).

• Rhymes for imply

• Nearby Words

imploringly
implosion
implosive
imply
impolite
impolitely
impoliteness

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English implien, borrowed from Old French emplier, from Latin implicare meaning 'to enfold, entangle, or involve', formed from in- ('in') and plicare ('to fold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Imply. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/imply
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