Word
implied
Phoneticsim·plied, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɫaɪd/
UK/ɪmplˈaɪd/
Definitions
01suggested but not stated
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. suggested or understood without being said directly.
adj. suggested or signaled without being explicitly articulated; often used to describe meanings, threats, or agreements.
“There was an implied threat in his voice, even though he spoke politely.”
“The contract contains an implied warranty that the goods will be fit for their intended purpose, even if not explicitly written in the text.”
02suggested (past tense)
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. suggested something was true without saying it clearly.
v. the past tense of imply, meaning to indicate or suggest something without stating it directly.
“The report implied that the company was in serious financial trouble.”
“The researcher implied that the initial data might have been compromised, though she stopped short of accusing her colleagues of negligence.”
Usage
This is a transitive verb that often takes a 'that' clause as its object.
Pitfall
I implied from her letter that she was unhappy.
I inferred from her letter that she was unhappy.
The speaker 'implies' (gives a hint), but the listener 'infers' (guesses the meaning).
Real-World Examples
“And, on Europe, Burnham implied that he will open a conversation on rejoining.” “When his mother was robbed by local “thugs”, he went looking for them; although the story is left unfinished, it is implied that he carried out some serious physical damage.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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