implication
ihmp-luh-KAY-shuhn
Implication (noun) means a possible or likely consequence of an action or decision. Example: “The policy change has serious implications for small businesses.”
noun
1
A possible or likely consequence of an action or decision.
"The policy change has serious implications for small businesses."
"Nobody had considered the ethical implications of the experiment."
2
Something suggested but not directly stated.
"By his silence, the implication was that he agreed."
How to use implication
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA likely effect of something, or a meaning that is hinted at rather than said outright.
Common pairings
far-reaching implications
by implication
legal implications
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Word forms
- Plural
- implications
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The policy change has serious _____ for small businesses.
Etymology
From Latin implicatio, from implicate + -ion.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for implication
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for implication →
Frequently asked questions
What does “implication” mean?
The word “implication” means a possible or likely consequence of an action or decision. In plain terms, a likely effect of something, or a meaning that is hinted at rather than said outright.
How do you pronounce “implication”?
“Implication” is pronounced ihmp-luh-KAY-shuhn (/ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “implication” in a sentence?
Here is “implication” used in a sentence: “The policy change has serious implications for small businesses.”
What part of speech is “implication”?
“Implication” is a noun.
Where does the word “implication” come from?
The word “implication” comes from Latin. From Latin implicatio, from implicate + -ion.
Is “implication” a common word?
“Implication” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “implication” have?
“Implication” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a possible or likely consequence of an action or decision.
What is the difference between implication and inference?
An implication is something suggested by a speaker or writer without being directly stated, while an inference is the conclusion a listener or reader draws from that suggestion. In short, a speaker implies and a listener infers.
What is the difference between an implication and a consequence?
Implication often refers to a possible or likely consequence of an action or decision, but it can also mean something merely suggested rather than stated. A consequence is a more definite, direct result, whereas an implication can be indirect or speculative.
Is implication used mostly in formal contexts?
Implication appears in both everyday and formal writing, from discussing the implications of a policy decision to noting the implication behind a remark. It suits contexts where consequences or suggested meanings need careful, precise description.
