Implication
/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/
nounB2
Definition
Implication means something that is suggested or understood without being directly said. It can also mean the possible result or effect of something, especially what might happen because of a decision or action. People often use it to talk about hidden meanings or the consequences of events.
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See It in Action
A meaning that is suggested but not directly stated
- •His words had an implication that he was unhappy with the decision.
- •The implication of her tone was that she did not agree.
- •There is an implication in his letter that he might resign soon.
A possible effect or result of an action or decision
- •The new law has many implications for small businesses.
- •We need to consider the environmental implications before building the factory.
- •The implication of ignoring safety rules can be very serious.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "implication" like "idea," but it’s an idea that is not said directly—you have to understand it by reading between the lines.
- ✓Picture a shadow behind a person: you see the shadow but not the person’s full action; the shadow is like the hidden meaning or effect.
- ✓It’s the feeling when someone says something, but you know there is more they mean without saying it out loud.
- ✓Sounds like "im-pli-KAY-shun" → Imagine a key (KAY) opening a door to hidden meanings or results.
- ✓Think of detective stories where clues imply (suggest) something without being told directly.
- ✓NOT like "statement" (clear and direct)—"implication" is indirect and often hidden.
- ✓NOT like "result" that is obvious—implications can be possible or hidden effects, not always certain.
- ✓NOT like "explanation" which makes things clear—implication leaves you guessing or thinking more.
Try Other Words
- •Suggestion: a hint or idea not said clearly (Use when talking about indirect hints in speech or writing)
- •Consequence: a result or effect of an action (Use when focusing on the result, not the hidden meaning)
- •Effect: what happens because of something else (Use when talking about clear, direct results)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "im-" (in, into) + "plic" (fold, from Latin "plicare" meaning to fold) + "-ation" (noun suffix meaning action or process)
- •Etymology: From Latin "implicatio," meaning the act of folding in or involving
- •Historical development: Originally meant something involved or connected; later came to mean a suggested meaning or result
- •Modern usage: Used in everyday English to talk about hidden meanings or possible results of actions and decisions
Reflect & Connect
•How can understanding the implications of your words help you communicate better?
•Can you think of a time when you misunderstood the implication of something someone said? What happened?
Fill in the blanks
1.When someone speaks indirectly, the ___ often requires careful thinking to understand the true meaning.
2.The ___ of the new policy could affect many people's jobs and daily lives.
3.Unlike a direct statement, an ___ is not always clear and needs to be ___ from context.
4.The manager avoided saying it openly, but the ___ was that layoffs might happen soon.
5.We must think about the legal ___ before signing the contract.
6.Sometimes, the ___ of a decision are not clear until much later.
7.The politician's speech had many ___, some positive and some negative.