verb
imply
im-PLYE/ɪmˈplaɪ/
To carry a further meaning or consequence without stating it explicitly.
A glance at the clock implies that it is time to leave.
Etymology
Originally meaning to enfold or enwrap, imply came to mean involving an unstated logical consequence. From there it developed the sense of hinting: a message is folded into the words rather than stated directly.
In context
innuendo-esque implication that is loaded into the question and they're nearly impossible to answer they're not genuine questions they've done their work merely by implying something that they wanted to imply
More examples
- Are you implying that I made a mistake?
- Her message implied that she wanted some help.
- A square's definition implies that all four sides are equal.
Forms
imply · implies · implied · implying
implication noun — A meaning or consequence not directly stated.
Similar words
- suggest
- Suggest can present an idea openly; imply leaves it unstated.
- entail
- Entail stresses a necessary consequence rather than an indirect hint.