imply
[ im-plahy ]
/ ɪmˈplaɪ /
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verb (used with object), im·plied, im·ply·ing.
to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated: His words implied a lack of faith.
(of words) to signify or mean.
to involve as a necessary circumstance: Speech implies a speaker.
Obsolete. to enfold.
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Origin of imply
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English implien, emplien, from Middle French emplier, from Latin implicāre; see implicate
usage note for imply
See infer.
OTHER WORDS FROM imply
re·im·ply, verb (used with object), re·im·plied, re·im·ply·ing.su·per·im·ply, verb (used with object), su·per·im·plied, su·per·im·ply·ing.Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use imply in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for imply
imply
/ (ɪmˈplaɪ) /
verb -plies, -plying or -plied (tr; may take a clause as object)
to express or indicate by a hint; suggestwhat are you implying by that remark?
to suggest or involve as a necessary consequence
logic to enable (a conclusion) to be inferred
obsolete to entangle or enfold
Word Origin for imply
C14: from Old French emplier, from Latin implicāre to involve; see implicate
undefined imply
See infer
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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