imply

[ɪmˈplaɪ]

imply Definition

  • 1strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated)
  • 2indicate the truth or existence of (something) by suggestion rather than explicit reference

Using imply: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "imply" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Are you implying that I'm lying?

  • Example

    His silence implied agreement.

  • Example

    The tone of his voice implies that he is angry.

  • Example

    The article implies that the company is in financial trouble.

imply Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for imply

Antonyms for imply

Idioms Using imply

  • to infer a meaning that is not explicitly stated

    Example

    The memo didn't say anything directly, but if you read between the lines, it was clear that layoffs were coming.

  • to draw an obvious conclusion from the information given

    Example

    When he didn't show up for work and didn't answer his phone, we put two and two together and realized he must be sick.

  • to accept something as true without considering any hidden meaning or motive

    Example

    He said he was too busy to come, so I took it at face value and didn't think anything of it.

Phrases with imply

  • suggesting or indicating agreement or permission without explicitly stating it

    Example

    She went ahead with the project, implying consent from her boss.

  • suggesting or indicating disapproval or fault without explicitly stating it

    Example

    His comments were full of implications, implying criticism of the team's performance.

  • suggesting or indicating accountability or obligation without explicitly stating it

    Example

    The report implies responsibility on the part of the management for the company's losses.

Origins of imply

from Old French 'emplier', meaning 'to enfold, entangle, involve'

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Summary: imply in Brief

To 'imply' [ɪmˈplaɪ] is to strongly suggest or indicate the truth or existence of something without explicitly stating it. It can be used to suggest agreement, criticism, or responsibility, as in 'She went ahead with the project, implying consent from her boss.' 'Imply' is often used in phrases like 'read between the lines,' which means to infer a meaning that is not explicitly stated, and 'put two and two together,' which means to draw an obvious conclusion from the information given.

How do native speakers use this expression?