Implication (Noun)
Meaning 1
A meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred; "the significance of his remark became clear only later"; "the expectation was spread both by word and by implication".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- His refusal to comment on the matter raised more questions than answers, with a clear implication that there was more to the story than he was letting on.
- The professor's statement that the new policy was "under review" left many to interpret the implication that it was likely to be changed or abolished.
- By not dismissing the rumor outright, the company left the implication that it might be true, which only added to the speculation.
- The politician's carefully worded statement was intended to avoid giving any implication of wrongdoing, but many critics remained skeptical.
- The silence from the management team regarding the potential layoffs had a significant implication for employee morale, as rumors and uncertainty spread throughout the office.
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Meaning 2
A logical relation between propositions p and q of the form `if p then q'; if p is true then q cannot be false.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The defendant's admission under questioning had major implications for the rest of the trial, as it suggested a clear motive for the crime.
- If I don't submit my report on time, the implication is that I won't be considered for the promotion.
- The researcher was accused of violating ethics after the publication of her study revealed an implication that she had falsified data.
- The lawyer argued that the new policy had a disturbing implication - that certain groups would be denied basic rights.
- The finding that the virus had a much shorter incubation period than previously thought had significant implications for public health policy.
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Meaning 3
An accusation that brings into intimate and usually incriminating connection.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The police were quick to pick up on the implication that the defendant was involved in the crime.
- The fact that she was seen near the scene of the crime has an obvious implication about her possible involvement.
- His fingerprints on the knife have serious implication for his defense that he was nowhere near the scene.
- The testimony of the witness carries strong implication for the prosecution's case against the suspect.
- The implication that the politician was embezzling funds from the charity has caused widespread outrage.
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Meaning 4
A relation implicated by virtue of involvement or close connection (especially an incriminating involvement); "he was suspected of implication in several robberies".
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The police investigated the politician's implication in the corruption scandal and gathered evidence of her involvement.
- The company's implication in the environmental disaster led to a massive public outcry and calls for their CEO to resign.
- The fact that he was at the scene of the crime raised unavoidable implication of his guilt.
- Her implication in the fraud scheme was not immediately clear, but further investigation revealed her role as a key player.
- The CEO's implication in the insider trading scandal led to his resignation and a thorough investigation of the company's practices.
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Meaning 5
Something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied); "his resignation had political implications".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The politician's statement had a clear implication that she would run for president in the next election.
- The new policy has serious implications for the company's bottom line.
- The scientist's discovery had far-reaching implications for the field of medicine.
- The judge's ruling had significant implications for the defendant's future.
- The economist's forecast had ominous implications for the global economy.