WordValeimplicit
implied but not directly stated
implied though not directly expressed
In more detail
1. (adjective) suggested or understood without being directly stated
2. (adjective) complete and without doubt; absolute
Examples
- 1. There was an implicit agreement between them that they would help each other.
- 2. She had implicit trust in her doctor's judgment.
How to use implicit
Implicit describes something that is understood or conveyed indirectly, often through context or inference rather than being openly expressed. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and analytical contexts to refer to hidden meanings, unstated rules, or assumed knowledge. The second sense (absolute, complete) is less common in modern English and is primarily found in formal or literary usage.
Common phrases
- implicit assumption
- implicit understanding
- implicit bias
- implicit in something
- remain implicit
Synonyms
implied · indirect · suggested · tacit · underlying
Opposites
explicit · direct · stated
Word family
implicitly (adverb) · implicitness (noun)
A common mistake
Learners often confuse implicit with explicit; remember that implicit means suggested or understood indirectly, while explicit means stated clearly and directly.
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