implicit
/ɪmˈplɪs.ɪt/- 1.
Suggested or understood without being directly said. Something implicit is communicated through context, tone, or situation — not through clear words.
- There was an implicit warning in the manager's quiet tone.
- The implicit message in his speech was that changes were coming.
- An implicit assumption runs through the entire argument.
- 2.
Complete and without any doubt or question. This sense is used mainly in the phrase 'implicit trust' or 'implicit faith,' meaning total, unquestioning belief in someone.
- She had implicit trust in her mentor's judgment.
- The soldiers followed orders with implicit obedience.
Adinary Nuance
"Implicit" is most often confused with implied and tacit. "Implied" points specifically to what a speaker or writer deliberately hints at — it is about communicative intent. "Tacit" is narrower still: it almost always describes a silent agreement or understanding between people, as in a tacit deal. "Implicit," by contrast, is the broadest of the three — it covers any meaning, rule, or quality that exists without being openly stated, even when no one is intentionally hinting. In academic writing, "implicit assumption" is the right phrase because the assumption is built into the argument itself, not merely hinted at by the author.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ngầm hiểu
- Spanish
- implícito
- Chinese
- 隐含的
- Japanese
- 暗黙の
- Korean
- 암묵적인
Etymology
From Latin "implicitus," the past participle of "implicare," meaning to entangle or involve, built from "in-" (into) and "plicare" (to fold). The word entered English in the late 16th century, originally in a theological sense of unquestioning faith.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'implicit' and 'explicit'?
- 'Explicit' means something is stated clearly and directly, leaving nothing to guess. 'Implicit' means it is suggested or understood from context, without being said out loud. For example, an explicit rule is written down; an implicit rule is one everyone follows but no one has announced.
- What is the difference between 'implicit' and 'implied'?
- 'Implied' usually points to something a speaker or writer deliberately hints at. 'Implicit' is broader — it covers meanings or qualities built into a situation or argument, even when no one is intentionally hinting. In academic writing, 'implicit assumption' sounds more precise than 'implied assumption.'
- Is 'implicit' a formal word? Can I use it in everyday speech?
- 'Implicit' is a formal, academic word. In casual conversation, people usually say 'understood,' 'unspoken,' or 'assumed' instead. It is very common in IELTS essays, academic papers, and professional reports.
- What does 'implicit bias' mean?
- 'Implicit bias' refers to attitudes or stereotypes that influence a person's decisions without them being aware of it. It is a widely used term in social science, education, and workplace diversity discussions.