implication
gb/ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
B2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
something suggested indirectly
An idea or meaning that someone suggests without saying it directly.
Usage pattern:
the implication of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'implication' with 'application', which has a completely different meaning related to use or requests.
Synonyms
suggestion (Less formal; can refer to both direct and indirect hints.)
|
inference (More formal; emphasizes the reasoning process to reach a conclusion.)
Antonyms
statement (A direct expression of an idea, rather than something implied.)
Collocations
strong implication
|clear implication
|carry an implication
|subtle implication
Themes
communication
|logic
|interpretation
|education
Examples
- Her tone carried the clear implication that she was not happy.
- The politician's speech had an implication that taxes might rise.
- There was no direct accusation, but the implication was obvious.
- He denied any wrongdoing, but the implication was there for all to hear.
Learner examples
- His words had the implication that he was tired.
- The letter gave the implication that I should call.
- I saw the implication in her smile.
- The story had the implication that money is important.
Noun
B2
entity
2
possible effect or result
A possible result of something that happens or is done.
Usage pattern:
the implications of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'implications' with 'complications', though the latter refers to difficulties rather than potential effects.
Synonyms
consequence (More general; can be neutral, positive, or negative.)
|
ramification (Often used for complex or unintended consequences.)
Antonyms
cause (Focuses on the origin of something rather than its effect.)
Collocations
political implications
|legal implications
|serious implications
|far-reaching implications
Themes
decision-making
|cause-effect
|analysis
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new law has serious implications for small businesses.
- We need to consider the environmental implications of this project.
- His resignation will have political implications.
- She failed to understand the financial implications of her choice.
Learner examples
- The change has big implications for the team.
- There are health implications if you do not sleep well.
- This decision has important implications for us.
- The report shows the implications of climate change.
Noun
formal
C1
relation
3
involvement in wrongdoing
Saying or showing that someone is part of something bad or illegal.
Usage pattern:
implication in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'implication' with 'application' here, or misunderstand it as only meaning 'suggestion'. Context usually clarifies.
Synonyms
involvement (More general; does not always carry a negative meaning.)
|
association (Neutral term for being connected with something.)
Antonyms
exoneration (The act of officially stating that someone is not responsible for wrongdoing.)
Collocations
implication in a crime
|direct implication
|deny implication
Themes
law
|crime
|communication
Examples
- His implication in the scandal damaged his career.
- The evidence led to her implication in the fraud case.
- They denied any implication in the illegal activities.
Learner examples
- He denied his implication in the crime.
- Her implication in the case surprised me.
- The police looked at his implication in the theft.
Grammar
Dictionary form
implication
IPA
GB/ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
im - plic - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: implication
- Plural: implication, implications
Word family
Forms
implications
noun
Core family
Related words
implicate
verb C1
Negative and opposite forms
explicit
adjective B2
explicitly
adverb B2
Expressions
by implication
1/bˈaɪ ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
as an indirect result
It means something is true because of what was said, even if it was not said directly.
Examples
- He didn't say it was wrong, but by implication he suggested it.
- By implication, her silence meant she agreed.