Implicitly
/ɪmˈplɪsɪtli/
Definitions
In a way that is suggested though not directly expressed.
/ɪmˈplɪsɪtli/
In a way that is not directly expressed or stated.
The agreement implicitly acknowledged his contribution.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend subtly hints they want to go to the movies without actually saying the words. They're implicitly telling you!
👶 For kids: When you understand something, even if nobody tells you directly.
More Examples
She implicitly approved of the plan by not objecting to it.
The rules implicitly forbid the use of phones during the exam.
How It's Used
"The contract implicitly outlined the responsibilities of each party."
"The therapist analyzed the patient's behavior, looking for implicitly held beliefs."
"She implicitly suggested that he was wrong by nodding slowly."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
implicitly understood
Understood without being directly stated.
"It was implicitly understood that the children should be quiet in the library."
From Middle French implicite, from Latin implicitus, past participle of implicare (“to enfold, involve”).
The word 'implicitly' has been used since the 17th century, initially associated with concepts of being involved or enfolded.
Memory tip
Think of a *hint*—something that's implied but not explicitly stated.
Word Origin
"to enfold, involve"