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adj Common

implied

ihm-PLYD

Implied (adj) means Suggested or hinted at rather than clearly stated. Example: “There was an implied threat behind his polite words.”

adj
1
Suggested or hinted at rather than clearly stated.
"There was an implied threat behind his polite words."
"The contract has an implied obligation to act fairly."

How to use implied

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSuggested without being said directly.

Common pairings
implied consent implied meaning

Word forms

more implied comparative, most implied superlative

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Test yourself on “implied” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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There was an _____ threat behind his polite words.

Related words

Rhymes for implied

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Frequently asked questions

What does “implied” mean?

The word “implied” means suggested or hinted at rather than clearly stated. In plain terms, suggested without being said directly.

How do you pronounce “implied”?

“Implied” is pronounced ihm-PLYD (/ɪmˈplaɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “implied” in a sentence?

Here is “implied” used in a sentence: “There was an implied threat behind his polite words.”

What is the opposite of “implied”?

The opposite of “implied” — its antonyms — are verbal and express.

What part of speech is “implied”?

“Implied” is an adjective.

Is “implied” a common word?

“Implied” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between 'implied' and 'stated'?

Something implied is suggested or hinted at without being said directly, while something stated is expressed openly and clearly in words. Implied meaning is read between the lines, whereas stated meaning is on the surface.

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

'Implied' means the meaning is only hinted at and has to be inferred, while 'explicit' means it is spelled out fully and leaves no doubt. They are opposites in terms of how directly something is communicated.

What is the difference between 'implied' and 'inferred'?

A speaker or writer implies something by hinting at it, while a listener or reader infers it by working the meaning out. 'Implied' describes what is put into a message indirectly, and 'inferred' describes what is taken out of it.

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