implied

UK: ɪmˈplaɪd | US: ɪmˈplaɪd

Definition

  1. adj. suggested without being directly stated

  2. v. (past tense of imply) to indicate or suggest something indirectly

Structure
im <in>ply <fold>ed <past tense suffix>im <in>ply <fold>ed <past tense suffix>
Etymology

implied = im<in> + ply<fold> + ed<past tense suffix>

  • im<in>: Latin prefix meaning "in" or "into," often indicating inward action.
  • ply<fold>: From Latin plicare (to fold), suggesting layers of meaning.
  • ed<past tense suffix>: Marks the word as past tense or past participle.

Etymology Origin:
The word implied traces back to Latin implicare (to entangle or involve), combining in- (into) and plicare (to fold). Over time, imply evolved in Middle English to mean "to involve something unstated," with implied retaining the sense of indirect suggestion—like an idea "folded" beneath the surface.

Examples

  1. Her silence implied agreement.

  2. The contract contained implied terms not written explicitly.

  3. His tone implied disapproval.

  4. The study’s results are implied but not confirmed.

  5. She implied that the project would be delayed.