Implying Meaning in English

word · lemma: imply

US

/ˌɪmˈpɫaɪɪŋ/

im-PLY-ing

UK

/ɪmplˈaɪɪŋ/

im-PLY-ing

Definition

Saying something in an indirect way or suggesting something without stating it clearly. "Implying" is the continuous form, meaning someone is currently suggesting something indirectly.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used in formal or neutral contexts. Common with verbs like 'are you implying that...?' or 'she's implying...'. Implies subtlety; not as strong as 'state' or 'say'. Can be negative if seen as manipulative.

• Spanish: insinuando - sugiriendo
• Portuguese (BR): insinuando - sugerindo
• Portuguese (PT): insinuando - sugerindo
• Chinese (Simplified): 暗示（正在说或做） - 意味着
• Chinese (Traditional): 暗示（正在說或做） - 意味著
• Hindi: संकेत कर रहा है - इशारा कर रहा है
• Arabic: يُلمِّح - يشير
• Bengali: ইঙ্গিত দিচ্ছে - পরোক্ষভাবে বলছে
• Russian: намекает - подразумевает
• Japanese: ほのめかしている - 暗示している
• Vietnamese: ngụ ý - ám chỉ
• Korean: 암시하고 있다 - 넌지시 말하고 있다
• Turkish: ima ediyor - üstü kapalı söylüyor
• Urdu: اشارہ کر رہا ہے - بالواسطہ کہہ رہا ہے
• Indonesian: mengisyaratkan - menyiratkan

Example Sentences

Are you implying that I made a mistake?

basic

She kept implying that something was wrong.

basic

He is implying that he knows the answer.

basic

I wasn't implying anything—I just asked a question.

natural

People keep implying that we should change the plan, but no one says it directly.

natural

By implying I was late, he made me feel guilty.

natural