implied meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"implied meaning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe a meaning that is not directly stated, but can be understood or inferred from the context or words used in a sentence. Example: The politician's statement had an implied meaning that she was in favor of the new policy, even though she did not explicitly state it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Japanese language acquires much of its beauty and strength from indirectness — or what English-speakers call vagueness, obscurity, or implied meaning.

The New Yorker

The Japanese language acquires much of its beauty and strength from indirectness or what English-speakers call vagueness, obscurity, or implied meaning.

The New Yorker

I liked the word nest because it had an implied meaning of cosiness and home, but I just couldn't find the right thing to go with it.

The Guardian

The drawings of Gillray and the Cruikshanks, by contrast, were designed to be decoded by a spectator well versed in metaphor, elision, allusion and a score of other little winks and nudges towards their implied meaning.

The Guardian - Books

Translation between Japanese and English is notoriously difficult and one of the major reasons for this is the ability of the speaker within the former to omit all manner of sentence elements – subject, object, even verb – where the implied meaning is clear by context.

The Guardian - Sport

A middle aged jeweler frets over the implied meaning a competitor unfriending him.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Staff and student discussions regularly employ "high expectations," "red flags," and "gold flags," with their implied meanings.

Harvard University

connotations Implied meanings suggested by a word rather than its literal meanings.

BBC

Attempt to ask a bot complex questions, full of unexpected stops and starts, word choices or implied meanings and suddenly, you find yourself with the bot version of Twitter's infamous Fail Whale.

Forbes

This makes sense because, as illustrated in excerpt 1, comprehension of the implied meanings embedded in Dis items requires examinees to successfully identify the key turn in an adjacency pair and understand its meaning.

Language Testing in Asia

In the case of ethnographic observation, this method will seek to interpret the logic and implied meanings in the actions and to compare these actions at the level of intentions and idealisations with their context.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "implied meaning" to add depth and nuance to your writing, encouraging readers to engage actively with the text and consider multiple layers of interpretation.

Common error

Avoid making the "implied meaning" too obscure. If the reader cannot reasonably infer the intended message, your communication will be ineffective. Ensure there are sufficient contextual cues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implied meaning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig points out, this phrase describes a meaning that is not directly stated but is understood through inference. It often relates to understanding the deeper significance within communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

49%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "implied meaning" is a noun phrase used to describe a meaning that is not explicitly stated, but rather understood through context, inference, or suggestion. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources such as news, scientific publications, and academic texts. Understanding the contexts in which "implied meaning" is employed—as well as common errors to avoid and alternative phrases—can allow one to communicate more precisely and effectively. While it's important to provide contextual cues for readers to accurately infer the intended meaning, over-reliance on implication can obscure the message. Techniques like symbolism and subtext enhance the power of "implied meaning". Alternatives include phrases like "suggested meaning" or "underlying meaning".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggested meaning

Focuses on the meaning being hinted at rather than explicitly stated.

inferred meaning

Stresses the act of drawing a conclusion about the meaning.

connotative meaning

Emphasizes the associated or emotional meaning beyond the literal.

underlying meaning

Highlights the deeper, less obvious meaning beneath the surface.

unstated meaning

Indicates that the meaning is not explicitly expressed.

tacit meaning

Implies a meaning that is understood without being openly expressed.

hidden meaning

Suggests a meaning that is intentionally concealed or not immediately apparent.

subtext

Refers to the implicit meaning beneath the dialogue or narrative.

presupposition

Highlights an assumption or belief implicit in a statement.

secondary meaning

Points to an additional layer of meaning beyond the primary one.

FAQs

How can I use "implied meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "implied meaning" to discuss the unspoken or suggested significance of something. For instance, "The author used symbolism to convey the "implied meaning" of the story."

What's the difference between "implied meaning" and "explicit meaning"?

"Explicit meaning" is directly stated and clear, while "implied meaning" is suggested and requires interpretation. Explicit meanings are obvious, whereas "implied meanings" are understood through context and inference.

What are some alternatives to "implied meaning"?

You can use alternatives like "suggested meaning", "underlying meaning", or "inferred meaning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I effectively convey "implied meaning" in my writing?

Use techniques like symbolism, subtext, and careful word choice to hint at meanings without stating them directly. Providing sufficient context is crucial for readers to grasp the "implied meaning".