imply

American  

[im-plahy] / ɪmˈplaɪ /

verb (used with object)

implied, implying

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.

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imply British  

/ 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

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Usage

See infer.

Other Word Forms

• reimply verb (used with object)
• superimply verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of imply

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

Example Sentences

This process, called oscillation, implies that neutrinos must have mass.

From Science Daily

That implies shares can climb 18% from their level as of Friday’s close.

From Barron's

Among the 110 banks, these are the 20 with majority “buy” or equivalent ratings among analysts polled by LSEG, with the highest upside potential implied by consensus price targets for the stocks.

From MarketWatch

Will they just pay the bill, as Huang implies would be his choice?

From Los Angeles Times

We’re not shielded from the horrors, but they almost always happen offstage, implied or alluded to in the sudden vanishing of a loved one or a mournful reference to a death.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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