# implicit

/ˌɪmˈpɫɪsət/ (US) · /ɪmplˈɪsɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/implicit
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. suggested but not stated

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

suggested or understood without being stated directly in words.

For teachers: implied or understood though not plainly or directly expressed; often used to describe meanings in a text or conversation.

- There was an implicit agreement between them that they would share the costs.
- The author's critique of the government was implicit in the way she described the suffering of the townspeople.

### 2. unquestioning

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

complete and total, without any doubts or questions.

For teachers: having no reservations or doubts; used to describe absolute trust, faith, or obedience.

- The children had implicit trust in their parents to keep them safe.
- The soldiers were expected to show implicit obedience to their commander, regardless of the personal risk involved.

### 3. naturally contained within

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

being a natural or necessary part of something, even if it is not visible.

For teachers: contained within the essential nature of something but not openly shown or stated.

- The risks are implicit in any new business venture.
- The possibility of failure is implicit in the very nature of scientific experimentation.

## Examples

- There was an implicit agreement that we would split the bill.
- Although the manager never explicitly forbade personal calls, her strict tone carried an implicit warning against them.
- The treaty relies on the implicit assumption that both nations will act in good faith, a premise that critics argue is dangerously naive given their historical conflicts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.