imply — to suggest something without explicitly stating it; to indicate or express indirectly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to suggest something without explicitly stating it; to indicate or express indirectly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪmˈplaɪ/
Example Sentences
- When mom asked 'Did you clean your room?' with raised eyebrows, it clearly implied I should go upstairs immediately.
- His constant yawning during the presentation implied that he found it boring.
- The research results imply that regular exercise can significantly improve mental health.
imply
VERB[/ɪmˈplaɪ/]
to suggest something without explicitly stating it; to indicate or express indirectly
A wink and a hidden gift behind the back imply that a surprise is waiting.
An IMP implies sLY — mischief hidden in plain sight. (IMP + LY(sly) → An IMP (mischievous creature) operates SLY-ly → An IMP never says what it means directly — it implies)
Imply without a reply — easy to deny.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'implicare' meaning 'to enfold' or 'to involve', derived from 'in-' (in) and 'plicare' (to fold). The word evolved through Old French to Middle English, developing its modern sense of suggesting something indirectly.
Breakdown
im- (in) + ply (from Latin plicare, to fold) = imply (to fold in or involve indirectly)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
“The evidence strongly implies his guilt.”
“Are you implying that I'm lying?”
“Your words seem to imply disapproval.”
“The data clearly implies a trend.”
“His tone seemed to imply criticism.”
📝Examples
“When mom asked 'Did you clean your room?' with raised eyebrows, it clearly implied I should go upstairs immediately.”
“His constant yawning during the presentation implied that he found it boring.”
“The research results imply that regular exercise can significantly improve mental health.”
“The author's choice of words implies a critical attitude toward modern society.”
📚Related Words
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