Implication

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Implication

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

im-plih-KAY-shun  /ɪmplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/

Definition

The conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated; a likely consequence of something; involvement in a crime or wrongdoing; (in logic) the relationship between propositions where one follows from another.

Plain meaning

An implication is something that is suggested or follows from a statement or action, even though it is not said directly. If a doctor says you need to change your lifestyle, the implication is that you are at risk of serious illness. The implications of a decision are its likely consequences or effects. In logic, implication is the formal relationship where one proposition leads to another. The word is also the noun form of implicate — involvement in wrongdoing.

Register

Neutral to formal. Implication is used across all registers and contexts. In everyday speech, the implications of a decision are its likely effects. In formal analysis, the implications of a policy are its necessary logical consequences. In law, implication of a person in a crime suggests their involvement.