imply
word
/ˌɪmˈpɫaɪ/
im-PLY
/ɪmplˈaɪ/
im-PLY
Definition
To strongly suggest something without saying it directly, or to make something understood through indirect hints.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in formal or neutral settings. Common with 'imply that', 'are you implying...?', or 'What are you implying?'. Do not confuse with 'infer', which refers to understanding an unstated meaning.
Spanish: implicar - sugerirPortuguese (BR): implicar - sugerirPortuguese (PT): implicar - sugerirChinese (Simplified): 暗示 - 意味着Chinese (Traditional): 暗示 - 意味著Hindi: संकेत करनाArabic: يُلمِّح - يعني ضمنًاBengali: ইঙ্গিত করা - বোঝানোRussian: подразумевать - намекатьJapanese: 暗示するVietnamese: ngụ ý - ám chỉKorean: 암시하다 - 시사하다Turkish: ima etmekUrdu: اشارہ دینا - مطلب نکالناIndonesian: mengisyaratkan - menyiratkan
Example Sentences
Are you implying I made a mistake?
natural
Their silence seemed to imply agreement.
natural
Just because I’m late doesn’t imply I don’t care.
natural
What do you imply by that comment?
basic
His words imply that he is unhappy.
basic
She didn't say it, but she did imply it.
basic