1. Meaning of the Word:
“Implicit” refers to something that is implied or understood without being directly stated. It often describes ideas, messages, or attitudes that are not openly expressed but are inferred from context.
2. Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Implicit (adjective):
- Implied or understood though not directly expressed.
- Contained within something as an essential part; not plainly or overtly stated.
- In mathematics or logic, it refers to something that is implied by the given conditions without being explicitly stated.
3. History and Origin:
The word “implicit” comes from the Latin implicitus, meaning “entangled” or “involved,” from implicare, meaning “to fold in” or “to entangle.” It entered English in the late 16th century, originally referring to things that are not clearly stated but understood or involved.
4. Detailed Explanation:
“Implicit” is used to describe something that is suggested or inferred, rather than directly articulated. It often refers to ideas, attitudes, or meanings that are understood in context but not openly stated. For example, a speaker might imply something through tone, facial expressions, or subtle hints, even if they don’t explicitly say it.
In communication, implicit messages are often more subtle or nuanced than explicit ones. An implicit message might require the listener to read between the lines or infer meaning from surrounding details.
In some contexts, “implicit” can also mean something that is inherently or necessarily included within something else. For instance, a promise can have implicit obligations, even if they aren’t directly spelled out.
5. Example Sentences:
- His implicit trust in his team allowed them to work independently and effectively.
- The teacher’s implicit disapproval was clear through her tone, even though she never mentioned it directly.
- The implicit meaning behind his words became evident only after the conversation ended.
- There was an implicit understanding between them that they would help each other without needing to discuss it.
- The rules of the game were implicit, with everyone understanding the expected behavior without a formal explanation.
- The implicit message in her letter was that she was unhappy with the decision.
- He gave an implicit nod of agreement, signaling his approval without saying anything.
- His actions were an implicit admission that he had made a mistake.
- The implicit threats in his speech made everyone uncomfortable, even though he never directly threatened anyone.
6. Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Implied – Something suggested or indicated without being directly stated, similar to implicit.
- Tacit – Implied or understood without being openly expressed, often used in reference to agreements or approval.
- Unspoken – Not directly stated, but understood or implied, much like something implicit.
- Inferred – Something concluded or deduced based on evidence, much like implicit meaning derived from context.
- Hidden – Refers to something not immediately obvious or directly expressed, similar to implicit meaning that is understood subtly.
7. Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Suggestive – Leading to a particular inference or understanding, often in a subtle or implicit way.
- Subtle – Something delicately or indirectly implied, often closely related to implicit messages.
- Implicitly – The adverb form, referring to something done in an implied or indirect manner.
- Connotation – The implied or suggested meaning of a word or phrase, which is often implicit in its use.
- Allusion – An indirect or subtle reference, often implying something without stating it explicitly.
8. More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Innuendo – A subtle or indirect remark, often implying something improper, much like implicit communication.
- Hint – A suggestion or clue that points to something not directly stated, like an implicit message.
- Indirection – Refers to communication that avoids directness, similar to implicit methods of conveying meaning.
- Nuance – A subtle distinction or variation in meaning that can be implicit rather than overtly stated.
- Oblique – Indirect or slanting in meaning, much like implicit suggestions that require interpretation.
9. Antonyms:
- Explicit – Something that is clearly and directly stated, the opposite of implicit.
- Clear – Refers to something that is straightforward and easy to understand, unlike something implicit that requires inference.
- Direct – Communication that is straightforward and not implied, opposite of implicit.
- Open – Refers to something transparent or easily understood, unlike implicit which is subtle.
- Unambiguous – Clear and not subject to multiple interpretations, the opposite of implicit, which often involves ambiguity.