implied
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪmˈplaɪd/
KK: /ɪmˈplaɪd/
adjective
Definition
Suggested or understood without being directly stated.
Example
Her smile implied that she was happy with the decision.
Conversation
Did you notice how she implied that she wants to leave early?
Yeah, I caught that too; it was pretty subtle.
I wonder if it was just a suggestion or if she's really feeling that way.
It could be both, but I think her feelings were definitely implied.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suggested
inferred
indicated
Antonyms
explicit
stated
clear
verb
Definition
To suggest something without saying it directly.
Example
Her smile implied that she was happy with the decision.
Tense Forms
Past: implied
Past Participle: implied
Conversation
Did you notice how she implied that she wanted to leave early?
Yeah, it seemed pretty obvious to me.
I wonder if she was just being polite about it.
Root Explanation
Implied → It is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "plicare" (meaning to fold). The word "implied" refers to something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated, as if it is folded into the context.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'folded in' ('plicare') without being directly said — that's why implied means something suggested rather than stated outright.
Visually Confused Words
unimplied
pimpled
plied
simplified
impolished
impolite