imply

im-ply · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To suggest something without stating it directly; to express indirectly.

  2. 2.

    To involve or indicate as a necessary consequence.

Related words

Antonyms: declare, specify, state
See also: implication, infer, suggest
Synonyms: hint, indicate, suggest

Etymology

From Old French emplier, from Latin implicare ("to enfold, involve"), from in- ("in") + plicare ("to fold"). The sense shifted from "involve" to "suggest indirectly" by the 16th century.