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implying

v.
US //ˌɪmˈpɫaɪɪŋ// UK //ɪmplˈaɪɪŋ// im·ply·ing
  1. 1 suggesting indirectly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    suggesting that something is true without saying it in a direct way.

    suggesting a fact or belief indirectly rather than stating it explicitly. Transitive — requires a clause or noun phrase as the implied content.

    Example

    Are you implying that I made a mistake on the report?

    Example

    By questioning the timing of the announcement, the journalist was implying that the minister had a hidden political motive.
    Pitfall
    He was implying me that I was late.
    He was implying that I was late.

    You imply a fact or an idea, but you do not 'imply a person'. Use a 'that' clause to show what is being suggested.

  2. 2 logical consequence (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    meaning that one thing must be true because another thing is true.

    indicating a necessary logical consequence or requirement. Often used in academic or technical contexts to show how one premise leads to another.

    Example

    Accepting this job means implying a commitment to work on weekends.

    Example

    The theorem is significant because, by implying the existence of a stable equilibrium, it simplifies the entire calculation process.

Last updated June 20, 2026