1. Meaning of the Word:
“Implication” refers to a conclusion or consequence that can be inferred from something, though it is not explicitly stated. It can also refer to the act of implying or suggesting something indirectly.
2. Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Implication (noun):
- A possible effect or consequence of an action, statement, or decision, even though it may not be openly stated.
- A suggestion or hint of something, often not directly expressed but understood from context.
- In logic or reasoning, it refers to a relationship between two statements where one implies the other.
3. History and Origin:
The word “implication” comes from the Latin implicatio, meaning “entanglement” or “involvement,” derived from implicare, which means “to fold in” or “to entwine.” The term has been used in English since the late 16th century, originally referring to being involved or entangled in something, and later expanding to its current meanings of indirect suggestion or consequence.
4. Detailed Explanation:
“Implication” is used in various contexts to describe something that is suggested or inferred rather than directly stated. It often refers to the consequences, results, or meanings that are not explicitly expressed but can be understood from a situation, statement, or action.
For example, in a conversation, a speaker might imply something without directly saying it, and the listener can draw conclusions based on the context or tone—these are the implications of the statement. In legal or formal contexts, implications can refer to the potential consequences of an action or decision, which are understood, even if not spelled out explicitly.
In logic, an implication refers to a relationship between two statements such that if one is true, the other must also be true.
5. Example Sentences:
- The implication of his actions was that he knew more than he let on.
- Her statement had serious implications for the future of the project.
- The implications of the new law are still being debated.
- The implication of their silence was clear—they disagreed but didn’t want to confront the issue.
- He didn’t state his opinion directly, but the implication was that he wanted a change.
- The company’s decision to cut costs has far-reaching implications for its employees.
- The politician’s words had an implication of support for controversial policies.
- The study’s results carry important implications for healthcare practices.
- If you don’t address this issue now, the implication could be a loss of trust.
6. Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Consequence – A result or outcome that follows from an action, similar to the implications of a decision or event.
- Inference – A conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning, akin to the implications understood from context.
- Suggestion – An indirect hint or idea, often leading to an implication of something not explicitly stated.
- Allusion – A reference to something without directly mentioning it, often creating an implication of meaning.
- Hint – A subtle or indirect suggestion, similar to an implication.
7. Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Subtext – The underlying or implicit meaning in a piece of writing, conversation, or performance, similar to an implication.
- Connotation – The implied or suggested meaning of a word or phrase, often related to the implications of its use.
- Implication theory – A term used in logic to describe the relationship between statements, where one implies the other.
- Inference – A conclusion drawn from indirect evidence, similar to how implications are inferred from context.
- Undertone – A subtle or implied meaning that accompanies the overt message, often creating an implication.
8. More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Effect – A change or result caused by something, similar to the implications of a decision or action.
- Impact – The strong effect or influence of something, often the result or implication of a particular action.
- Repercussion – An unintended consequence of an action, much like the implications that follow from a decision.
- Result – The outcome of an event or action, akin to the implication of a specific choice or statement.
- Outcome – The final effect or result of an action, similar to the implications that emerge after an event or decision.
9. Antonyms:
- Clarification – The act of making something clear and explicit, the opposite of implying or creating ambiguity.
- Explicitness – The quality of being stated clearly and directly, in contrast to an implication that is indirect.
- Directness – The quality of being straightforward or explicit, opposite to the indirect nature of an implication.
- Transparency – The quality of being open and clear, rather than implying things that are not directly expressed.
- Obviousness – The state of being clear or evident without need for inference, in contrast to the indirect nature of implications.