implication
/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌim-plə-ˈkā-shən/ (ame, mw)
implication — noun
- implicationsingular
- implicationsplural
1. a suggested idea that is not stated directly or openly — for example, when a per
a suggested idea that is not stated directly or openly — for example, when a person's tone, choice of words, or silence makes you understand something they have not actually said.
Anya caught the implication hidden in her boss's casual remark and felt uneasy.
implication hidden in [phrase/remark]
When the teacher said "some students need to try harder," the implication was that several people were not doing enough.
implication + that-clause for indirect message
Emre missed the implication of her question and gave a simple yes or no answer.
By implication, the report suggested that the company's safety record was worse than it claimed.
- hint
more direct and intentional than implication; a hint is given on purpose, while an implication may be unintended
- insinuation
more negative; suggests a deliberate attempt to suggest something unpleasant
- suggestion
wider in meaning; can be direct or indirect
- explicit statement
a direct, clear expression with no hidden meaning
文法句型
implication + that-clause
by implication
用法筆記
This sense is often used with a that-clause ('the implication that...') to spell out the hidden message. The fixed phrase 'by implication' means 'indirectly, without being stated outright.'
常見錯誤
2. a possible future result or effect of a decision, action, or event — what someth
a possible future result or effect of a decision, action, or event — what something will mean for other people, situations, or developments later on.
The new tax law has serious implications for small business owners across Taiwan.
implications + for + noun phrase
Faisal considered the financial implications before signing the five-year rental agreement.
financial / legal / political + implications
The full implications of the water shortage may not be clear for several more months.
Hoa's parents discussed the long-term implications of moving her to a new school mid-year.
- consequence
more neutral and factual; often used for direct cause-and-effect results
- ramification
more formal; emphasises complex, branching effects
- outcome
focuses on the end result rather than the broader effect on other things
- cause
the reason or origin, not the effect
文法句型
implications + of + noun phrase
implications + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is very frequently used in the plural (implications). A singular form is possible when talking about one specific result, but the plural strongly dominates in everyday use.
常見錯誤
3. when someone is shown or said to have a connection with a crime or dishonest act
when someone is shown or said to have a connection with a crime or dishonest activity — often because of evidence, a witness statement, or another person's confession.
The lawyer strongly denied any implication of her client in the bank fraud case.
implication + in + [crime noun]
The senator resigned from office after his implication in a bribery investigation became public.
implication in a [legal / political] investigation
Mizuki's implication in the data leak surprised everyone at the technology company.
The journalist's investigation led to the implication of three former government officials.
- involvement
wider and less serious; can mean any kind of participation, not necessarily criminal
- incrimination
more technical and legal; means being shown as guilty through evidence
- exoneration
the clearing of blame or suspicion
文法句型
implication + in + noun phrase (crime / scandal / affair)
用法筆記
This sense frequently appears in legal and political contexts. It is often used passively: someone is implicated in a crime. The noun 'implication' here describes either the act of connecting someone (by police, a witness, etc.) or the state of being connected.