imply

[ im-plahy ]

verb (used with object)

, im·plied, im·ply·ing.

1. to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated:

   His words implied a lack of faith.

2. (of words) to signify or mean.
3. to involve as a necessary circumstance:

   Speech implies a speaker.

   Synonyms: demand, require

4. Obsolete. to enfold.

imply

/ ɪmˈplaɪ /

verb

1. to express or indicate by a hint; suggest

   what are you implying by that remark?

2. to suggest or involve as a necessary consequence
3. logic to enable (a conclusion) to be inferred
4. obsolete.
   to entangle or enfold

Usage Note

See infer.

Usage

See infer

Other Words From

• reim·ply verb (used with object) reimplied reimplying
• super·im·ply verb (used with object) superimplied superimplying

Word History and Origins

Origin of imply¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English implien, emplien, from Middle French emplier, from Latin implicāre; implicate

Word History and Origins

Origin of imply¹

C14: from Old French emplier, from Latin implicāre to involve; see implicate

Example Sentences

In other words, Coexist stickers may imply a desire for global love.

From The Daily Beast

Aielli, who was very much alive when she learned of her funeral plans and the death threat they imply, says she is not deterred.

From The Daily Beast

In his standup act, Buress has told rape jokes that explicitly imply sexual violence against women for a laugh.

From The Daily Beast

That seemed to imply a spicy sex life, I say to him the next day.

From The Daily Beast

Specific job descriptions imply a meticulous attention to detail will be necessary in the mission.

From The Daily Beast

Now this setting up of an orderly law-abiding self seems to me to imply that there are impulses which make for order.

From Project Gutenberg

The fillip given would have been far, far greater than that which the mere numbers (1,200 for the Division) would seem to imply.

From Project Gutenberg

They always imply desquamation of epithelium, which rarely occurs except in parenchymatous inflammations (Figs. 60 and 61).

From Project Gutenberg

These two phenomenal facts imply some strong antagonism to the priesthood and their system.

From Project Gutenberg

Unless perhaps, as Aunty Rosa seemed to imply, they had sent secret orders.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• entail
• hint
• involve
• mention
• signify
• suggest