implicit
Something that is suggested or understood without being stated directly in words. It describes a meaning that is hidden beneath the surface of a situation or statement.
Examples
3 of 5There was an implicit agreement between the friends to always help each other.
There was a suggested agreement between the friends to always help each other.
The document contains an implicit warning about the risks of the new project.
The document contains a hidden warning about the risks of the new project.
She gave an implicit 'yes' by smiling when I asked her to go out.
She gave a non-verbal 'yes' by smiling when I asked her to go out.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'I' in Implicit as 'In'. The meaning is 'In'side and hidden. The 'E' in Explicit is for 'Ex'ternal and easy to see.
Quick Quiz
Even though he didn't say he was disappointed, his ______ criticism was clear from his silence.
Correct!
The correct answer is: implicit
Examples
There was an implicit agreement between the friends to always help each other.
everydayThere was a suggested agreement between the friends to always help each other.
The document contains an implicit warning about the risks of the new project.
formalThe document contains a hidden warning about the risks of the new project.
She gave an implicit 'yes' by smiling when I asked her to go out.
informalShe gave a non-verbal 'yes' by smiling when I asked her to go out.
Scientists must identify any implicit bias that might affect their research results.
academicScientists must identify any hidden prejudice that might affect their research results.
The company provides an implicit guarantee that the product will work for a year.
businessThe company provides an unspoken guarantee that the product will work for a year.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
implicit faith
total belief in something without questioning
implicit obedience
following orders without any doubt
implicit memory
knowledge you use without thinking about it
Often Confused With
Explicit means stated clearly and directly, while implicit means suggested indirectly.
Complicit means being involved in a crime or wrongdoing, whereas implicit refers to suggested meaning.
Usage Notes
Use 'implicit' when you want to describe a message or feeling that is present but not spoken aloud. It is common in academic writing to discuss hidden meanings or biases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'implicit' when they mean something is very clear; remember that 'implicit' is for things that are not clearly stated.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'I' in Implicit as 'In'. The meaning is 'In'side and hidden. The 'E' in Explicit is for 'Ex'ternal and easy to see.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'implicitus', which means 'entwined' or 'folded in'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In high-context cultures (like Japan or many Arab nations), communication is often more implicit than in low-context cultures (like the USA or Germany).
Quick Quiz
Even though he didn't say he was disappointed, his ______ criticism was clear from his silence.
Correct!
The correct answer is: implicit
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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