implication

UK /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/ US /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/ Syllables: im-pli-ca-tion

Pronunciation

Noun B2 Upper-intermediate Neutral

A possible effect or result of something, often one that isn't stated directly.

An implication is something that is suggested without being said directly, or a possible effect or result of an action. If a speaker says some people never work hard, the implication may be that you are one of them. The word also names a likely consequence, as in the implications of a new law. In law, implication can mean being involved in a crime, as in the implication of his partners. In logic, it is a relation in which one statement follows from another. Close words are consequence, suggestion, effect, ramification and insinuation. By implication means indirectly. The verb is imply, and a related verb is implicate.

"The new policy has serious implications for small businesses."

Meanings

Something that is suggested without being said directly.
A possible effect or result of something.
The state of being involved in something, especially a crime.

Example sentences

"The implication of his words was clear."

Level B2, Meaning 1
"The new law has serious implications for small shops."

Level B2, Meaning 2
"By implication, the report blames the manager."

Level C1, Meaning 1
"She did not like the implication that she was lazy."

Level B2, Meaning 1
"The implications of the study are still unclear."

Level B2, Meaning 2

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

consequence effect

Look-alikes and common mistakes

inference : An inference is a conclusion you draw. An implication is what the speaker suggests. The speaker implies, and the listener infers.
implementation : Implementation means putting a plan into action. It looks like implication but is unrelated.
complication : A complication is something that makes a situation harder. An implication is a result or a hint.
connotation : Connotation is the feeling or idea a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Implication is what a statement suggests.

Word family and forms

Forms: implications

imply implicate implicit implicitly

Word partners

Words and phrases that often go with "implication".

the implications of
by implication
serious implications
far reaching implications
legal implications
a clear implication
financial implications
the implication that

Origin

Implication came into English in the early 1400s through Middle French, from the Latin word implicatio, meaning an interweaving. It is built from the verb implicate plus the ending ion.

Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Dictionary.com.

Usage notes

"By implication" is a common phrase meaning something suggested rather than stated outright.

How to remember it

Implication belongs to the verb imply. Whatever someone implies, you can call the implication.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The _____ of his words was clear."

Answer: implication

In your own words, what does "implication" mean?