Implicit
/ɪmˈplɪsɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsSuggested or understood though not plainly expressed; implied.
/ɪmˈplɪsɪt/
Suggested though not directly expressed.
Her smile implied implicit consent to the offer.
💡 Simply: When something is implicit, it means it's not said directly, but you understand it from the situation. Like, if a friend gives you a sad look, it's implicit they're feeling down.
👶 For kids: Something is implicit when you understand it even though nobody said it out loud.
More Examples
The agreement had implicit rules about behavior at the parties.
There was an implicit understanding that he would take care of the problem.
How It's Used
"The contract contained implicit terms regarding confidentiality."
"Implicit bias can affect decision-making even without conscious awareness."
Essentially or very closely connected with; always to be found in.
/ɪmˈplɪsɪt/
The success of the project was implicit in the team's hard work.
💡 Simply: Imagine something is a part of the very core of an idea, then that is implicit. Like, kindness is implicit in friendship
👶 For kids: It means something is part of another thing. Like the sun being part of the day.
More Examples
Danger is implicit in the nature of the job.
Trust is often implicit in a strong relationship.
How It's Used
"The truth of a statement is implicit in the evidence."
"The arguments have an implicit flaw in the logic."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
implicit bias
Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions.
"Implicit bias can influence hiring practices."
implicit learning
The acquisition of knowledge without conscious awareness.
"Children often acquire language skills through implicit learning."
From Latin *implicitus*, past participle of *implicare* 'to enfold, involve', from *in-* 'in' + *plicare* 'to fold'.
The word has been in use since the 16th century, initially referring to things entwined or folded together, later shifting towards the current meaning of something implied.
Memory tip
Think of an 'implied' message – something that's there but isn't explicitly stated.
Word Origin
"enfolded, involved (past participle of implicare)"