implicit
implied, not stated directly
Not said in a clear way, but understood from the situation or from what is said.
implicit in [something]
- There was an implicit criticism of the government in her speech, even though she never mentioned them by name.
- The terms of the deal are implicit in the email, but they are not spelled out line by line.
- His comments carried an implicit threat that further cuts would follow.
- The teacher made it clear that cheating was unacceptable, but there was also an implicit expectation that students would help each other learn.
- Much of the novel’s power comes from its implicit message about social inequality.
- There is an implicit rule that we do not talk about salary.
- The story has an implicit message about family love.
- His words have an implicit warning in them.
- An implicit assumption in the plan is that prices will stay low.
- Respect for the coach is implicit in the way the players listen.
complete and unquestioning (trust, faith)
So strong and complete that you do not question or doubt it, usually about trust, faith, or obedience.
implicit [trust/faith/obedience] in [someone/something]
- She had implicit trust in her doctor and followed every instruction without hesitation.
- The leader demanded implicit obedience from his followers.
- Children often place implicit faith in their parents’ decisions.
- The success of the project depends on the team’s implicit confidence in each other.
- He enjoyed his manager’s implicit support for the changes he wanted to introduce.
- He has implicit trust in his best friend.
- The students show implicit respect for their teacher.
- The group gave her implicit support as their leader.
- She has implicit faith that things will get better.
- The boss expects implicit obedience from the staff.
mathematical: not solved for a variable
In math, used for an equation or function where the main variable is not alone on one side of the sign, but appears together with other things.
implicit [function/equation/curve]
- The circle can be described by the implicit equation x² + y² = 1.
- We use implicit differentiation when it is hard to solve the equation for y explicitly.
- In this chapter, we study curves given in implicit form rather than as explicit functions of x.
- In calculus class, we learned about implicit functions.
- An implicit equation does not show y alone on one side.
- The teacher showed how to use implicit differentiation.
- This curve is given by an implicit formula.
- They turned the implicit relation into an explicit function.
- Base: implicit
implicit agreement
1agreement understood but not stated
An agreement that people understand, even though they do not say it or write it down.
- There was an implicit agreement that no one would talk to the press.
- We operate under an implicit agreement to share any useful information.
- An implicit agreement existed between the neighbours about using the shared driveway.
implicit assumption
1assumption taken for granted, not stated
An idea that people accept as true without saying it clearly.
- The plan rests on the implicit assumption that the economy will keep growing.
- There is an implicit assumption in the study that technology is always positive.
- We need to question the implicit assumptions behind these rules.
implicit consent
1consent understood from actions, not words
Agreement that is not spoken or written, but is understood from what a person does or allows.
- By staying silent, the committee gave implicit consent to the changes.
- Some argue that using the service implies implicit consent to the terms.
- The law in this area is unclear about what counts as implicit consent.
implicit cost
1non-cash economic opportunity cost
In economics, a cost you do not pay with money, but which is the value of something you give up by choosing one thing instead of another.
- Economists distinguish between explicit and implicit cost when analysing a business decision.
- The owner’s time is an implicit cost that should be included in the calculation.
- Staying in school has an implicit cost: the salary you could earn if you worked instead.
implicit criticism
1indirect, implied criticism
Criticism that is not spoken directly, but is understood from what someone says or does.
- Her silence was taken as an implicit criticism of the proposal.
- The article contains an implicit criticism of current education policy.
- He denied that his remarks were an implicit criticism of his colleagues.
implicit function
1mathematical function given implicitly
In math, a function shown by an equation where the main variable is not alone on one side, but appears together with other things.
- We can define the curve by an implicit function instead of solving for y.
- The textbook explains how to differentiate an implicit function.
- Some shapes are easier to describe using implicit functions.
implicit in
1contained but not directly stated
Existing as a part of something, but not said in a clear way.
- The idea that work comes before family seems implicit in the company’s culture.
- There is an implicit in criticism of modern life in the film.
- His disappointment was implicit in the tone of his voice.
implicit threat
1threat that is only implied
A threat that is not spoken in a clear way, but is understood from the situation or words.
- His calm voice carried an implicit threat that was hard to ignore.
- The letter contained an implicit threat of legal action.
- Employees heard an implicit threat in the manager’s comments about possible cuts.
implicit trust
1complete, unquestioning trust
Trust that is so strong you do not think about it or question it at all.
- There was implicit trust between the two business partners.
- Parents often enjoy implicit trust from very young children.
- Years of working together had created implicit trust within the team.
implicit bias
1unconscious attitudes or stereotypes
Hidden attitudes or beliefs that affect how you think or act without you knowing it, often in an unfair way.
- Many companies now offer training to help employees recognize their implicit bias.
- Researchers study implicit bias to understand hidden attitudes about race and gender.
- Implicit bias can influence decisions even when people believe they are being fair.
- Implicit bias can influence quick decisions, like who we sit next to on a bus.
- Researchers study implicit bias to understand how stereotypes shape everyday behaviour.