The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

implicit

IPA:

Dictionary definition of implicit

Understood or implied from context, circumstances, or underlying assumptions without being explicitly stated.
"The agreement had implicit terms that were not explicitly stated."

Detailed meaning of implicit

It refers to information, meanings, or expectations that are not directly expressed but are instead inferred from context, background knowledge, or the surrounding circumstances. When something is implicit, it relies on the audience's ability to make connections or draw conclusions based on what is suggested or hinted at, rather than what is explicitly mentioned. Implicit ideas or understandings are often deeply ingrained in culture, language, or common practices, and they may not need to be explicitly articulated because they are widely recognized or accepted. In essence, "implicit" underscores the power of inference and context in communication, emphasizing the significance of what is not explicitly said but is nevertheless understood.

Example sentences containing implicit

1. The implicit bias in his words was hard to ignore.
2. Her criticism was not direct, but rather implicit in her expression.
3. There's an implicit understanding between us, a language we share without words.
4. The article had an implicit tone of sarcasm, which made it more interesting.
5. Implicit in every promise he made was a seed of doubt.
6. His actions conveyed an implicit message of disapproval.

History and etymology of implicit

The adjective 'implicit' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'implicitus,' which is the past participle of 'implicare,' meaning 'to involve' or 'to entwine.' The idea behind 'implicitus' is that something is involved or entwined within a larger context, not immediately apparent on the surface. Over time, in English, 'implicit' has come to signify something that is understood or implied from context, circumstances, or underlying assumptions without being explicitly stated. The etymology of 'implicit' thus reflects its essence as a quality that is intricately woven into a situation or understanding, even though it may not be overtly expressed, emphasizing the subtle and underlying nature of the implied information or meaning.

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Further usage examples of implicit

1. The new policy had an implicit assumption about employee integrity.
2. Their laughter carried an implicit mockery that I didn't appreciate.
3. The design of the building had an implicit elegance.
4. Implicit trust is essential for any successful partnership.
5. Despite the implicit danger, he chose to continue his journey.
6. There was an implicit rhythm to the way she painted, like a dance of colors.
7. The terms of the agreement contained several implicit obligations.
8. I sensed an implicit tension between them during dinner.
9. The novelist's choice of words created an implicit mood of melancholy.
10. Her refusal to meet his eyes was an implicit admission of guilt.
11. The simplicity of the painting carried an implicit beauty.
12. His silence was an implicit agreement to my proposal.
13. The implicit complexity of the code made it difficult for newcomers to understand.
14. In every one of his decisions, there was an implicit acknowledgment of his past mistakes.