implication

 
Pronunciation: /ɪmplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated: the implication is that no one person at the bank is responsible
  • a likely consequence of something: many people are unaware of the implications of such reforms her victory had important political implications
  • 2 [mass noun] the action or state of being involved in something: our implication in the problems

Phrases

by implication

by what is implied rather than by explicit expression: he criticized her and, by implication, her country

Derivatives

implicational

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'entwining, being entwined'): from Latin implicatio(n-), from the verb implicare (see implicate)