implicitly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "implicitly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is understood without being stated explicitly. For example, "The rules of the game were implicitly clear to all players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than that, Levin also implicitly suggested that there was something wrong per se with betting that the housing market would crash, suggesting that while it's good to make money from good things happening, it's nefarious to put yourself in a position to make money when bad things happen.

The Economist

In his first campaign speech, Sabbahi also claimed to carry the flame for Egypt's revolution – a mantra that implicitly positions Sisi as the establishment figure.

The Guardian

The party has implicitly acknowledged there is a long-term problem with the system by saying it will support a wider review of student finance in government.

The Guardian

There are many more stories of people hoping to enter the UK temporarily being turned down on the suspicion, stated implicitly if not explicitly, that they are happy to abandon jobs and life in order to grab some of our abundant riches.

The Guardian - Opinion

Warsi is implicitly critical of Hague's successor, Philip Hammond, for not being so interested in rights, not least those of women, especially poor ones.

The Guardian

There is a painfully overwritten scene about ageing women being like roses who lose their bloom, delivered for the benefit of Louis's mistress Madame de Montespan (Jennifer Ehle), who is being passed over for the implicitly younger and fresher Madame de Maintenon.

The Guardian - Film

And I do not believe the feminist principles which I hold dear would be served by Tony Abbott becoming Prime Minister with the views that he has expressed on women and women's capacity and because of the ways in which he has implicitly allowed the sexism in this country that we have seen on display.

The Guardian

In light of Rusbridger's disclosures, it's even clearer that the detention of Miranda is part of an attack on American journalists authorized at the highest levels of the British government, and it's an attack that is at the very least implicitly backed by the Obama administration.

The Guardian

An enemy implicitly presented as blocking the path towards a beautiful future together.

The Guardian - Sport

She implicitly threatened Zakani with legal action over his "smear" and accused him of being "disrespectful of the broader effort by the country's leadership to improve the situation at home for all Iranians".

The Guardian

"Through a series of legal contortions Obama has argued that Congress, since 9/11, intended to implicitly authorise mass surveillance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "implicitly" to show subtle suggestions or understandings without explicit expression. This adds depth and nuance to your writing by allowing readers to infer meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "implicitly" when the meaning is already inherently clear from the sentence structure. This can lead to unnecessary wordiness and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "implicitly" modifies verbs or clauses to indicate that something is understood or suggested without being directly expressed. Ludwig, based on its examples, confirms this function. It adds a layer of subtlety to communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "implicitly" is a versatile adverb used to indicate that something is understood or suggested without being directly expressed. Ludwig AI confirms that this word is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in contexts such as News & Media and Formal & Business writing. Related terms include "tacitly", "indirectly", and "by implication". When using "implicitly", ensure the context subtly suggests the intended meaning and avoid redundancy by not using it when the meaning is already clear. By mastering the use of "implicitly", writers can add nuance and depth to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacitly

Indicates agreement or understanding is expressed without direct communication.

indirectly

Signifies that something is communicated in a roundabout way, not straightforward.

by implication

Highlights that the message is understood through the consequences or related facts.

by inference

Suggests understanding is derived through logical deduction.

subtly

Emphasizes that the communication is understated and not immediately obvious.

understatedly

Like subtly, it denotes a lack of overt expression.

allusively

Implies communication through hints and indirect references.

obliquely

Indicates the message is conveyed in a roundabout or evasive manner.

unspokenly

Highlights something understood without being explicitly said.

inherently

Signifies something exists as an essential attribute or quality.

FAQs

How to use "implicitly" in a sentence?

Use "implicitly" to indicate that something is suggested or understood without being directly stated. For example, "His silence implicitly conveyed his disapproval."

What can I say instead of "implicitly"?

You can use alternatives like "tacitly", "indirectly", or "by implication" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "implicitly" or "explicitly"?

"Implicitly" means suggested or understood but not directly stated, while "explicitly" means directly and clearly stated. Choose the word that accurately reflects whether the information was directly conveyed or inferred.

What's the difference between "implicitly" and "inherently"?

"Implicitly" refers to something suggested or understood, while "inherently" refers to something that is an essential or natural part of something else. "Implicitly" deals with communication; "inherently" deals with intrinsic qualities.