Words / B2

im-PLEYE/ɪmˈplaɪ/

To imply is to suggest a meaning without stating it: the speaker or text implies, and the listener infers — a classic B2 mix-up. The pattern is imply that + clause; implication is the noun (the implication is that…). It is common in academic discussion and slightly formal in speech.

Meaning

To suggest something without saying it directly.

Examples

• “His tone implied that he was angry.”
• “Silence can imply disagreement.”
• “Are you implying that I copied the work?”

Good to know

Speaker implies; listener infers. imply that + clause. Noun: implication.

Near in meaning

suggest

New