Implicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Implicit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is understood or implied without being directly stated. Example: "Her approval was implicit in her nodding during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In an implicit criticism of Labour and the Tories, the deputy prime minister said that the majority of Scottish voters were not yet being offered what they wanted in next year's vote: further devolution within the UK.

The Guardian

Cameron has also been insisting Thatcher will be remembered for "saving the nation" from decline in the 1980s, leaving unsaid an implicit parallel with his own effort to clear up the fiscal deficit.

The Guardian

Instead of correcting or avoiding the influences of such biases, our study aims to reduce these implicit biases at the first place".

The Guardian

The implicit homophobia underlying these messages sends an alarming signal to any astute observer that homosexuality is simply not normal and homosexuals do not have any place with children.

The Guardian

As the final step in bringing evidence-based medicine to the patient, Sackett and colleagues had to persuade a sceptical medical profession, often eager to attack what was unfamiliar, to undertake the intellectual work implicit in the practice of this approach.

The Guardian

The latest figures, with their implicit threat of deflation, make all this much more urgent.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was, however, somewhat surprising for the review to produce an underlying or implicit argument that the only legitimate means of containing carbon emissions (if that's what some freakish people are into) are cost-effective means.

The Guardian

David Cameron's former strategy guru Steve Hilton has suggested bankers should be paid no more than senior civil servants as they rely on the implicit backing of the taxpayer.

The Guardian - Business

I'll leave it to others to comment on the astounding abdication of cultural responsibility implicit in this statement.

The Guardian - Books

"The idea of power-sharing is still implicit in these proposals.

The Guardian

Implicit in the latter was an assumption that volunteerism lacked the powers and wherewithal of the state to provide basic, universal services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Implicit", ensure the context provides enough clues for the reader to understand the implied meaning. Overuse can lead to ambiguity, so balance it with explicit statements when necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "Implicit" when you mean "Explicit". "Implicit" means implied or understood though not directly expressed, while "Explicit" means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "Implicit" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is suggested or understood without being directly expressed. Ludwig AI confirms its use in conveying indirect meanings across various contexts, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "Implicit" is a versatile term used to describe something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across diverse fields such as news, business, and science. Its correct usage is crucial for conveying nuanced meanings, and it should not be confused with "Explicit". When using "Implicit", ensure that the context provides enough clues for the reader to infer the intended meaning. While "Implicit" is valuable for adding depth and subtlety to writing, it's best to balance its usage with explicit statements for clarity. Alternatives like "implied", "tacit", and "understood" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Implied

Focuses on the indirect suggestion of something without explicit statement.

Tacit

Emphasizes understanding or agreement without being openly expressed.

Understood

Highlights that something is grasped without needing to be stated.

Inherent

Indicates that something is naturally part of something else.

Underlying

Suggests a foundation or basis that is not immediately obvious.

Inferred

Stresses the conclusion drawn from evidence rather than direct statement.

Unspoken

Focuses on the lack of verbal expression, yet clear understanding.

Suggested

Implies something subtly rather than stating it directly.

Assumed

Emphasizes taking something for granted without proof.

Connoted

Highlights the associated or secondary meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "Implicit" in a sentence?

You can use "Implicit" to describe something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated. For example, "There was an "implicit agreement" between them."

What is an alternative to using "Implicit"?

Alternatives to "Implicit" include "implied", "tacit", or "understood", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct: "Implicit bias" or "Explicit bias"?

"Implicit bias" refers to unconscious biases, while "Explicit bias" refers to conscious biases. The correct choice depends on whether the bias is conscious or unconscious. Prefer "unconscious bias" as an alternative.

What's the difference between "Implicit" and "Inherent"?

"Implicit" suggests something is implied or understood, while "Inherent" suggests something is an essential part of something else. "Implicit" refers to a meaning, while "Inherent" refers to a quality or characteristic. Try "intrinsic" as an alternative to "Inherent".