Word
imply
Meanings
to suggest or communicate something indirectly
to mean that something is likely true or must exist as a result
Definition
To imply means to suggest something indirectly rather than saying it clearly.
To imply is to communicate an idea without stating it directly. People often imply meaning through hints, tone of voice, or context. The listener is expected to understand what is meant even if it is not said outright.
Examples
- Are you trying to imply that I lied?
- His silence seemed to imply agreement.
- The report implies that costs will rise next year.
- She didn’t say it directly, but her tone implied disappointment.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse imply with infer: the speaker implies, but the listener infers.
More at B2 level
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- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.