/ ɪmˈplaɪ; NAmE / verb ( im·plies , im·ply·ing , im·plied , im·plied )
1.
to suggest that sth is true or that you feel or think sth, without saying so directly :
[ v ( that )]
Are you implying (that) I am wrong?
[ vn ]
I disliked the implied criticism in his voice.
[also vn that ] ➡ note at infer
2.
to make it seem likely that sth is true or exists
SYN suggest :
[ v ( that )]
The survey implies (that) more people are moving house than was thought.
[ vn ]
The fact that she was here implies a degree of interest.
[also vn that ]
3.
[ vn ] ( of an idea, action, etc. ) to make sth necessary in order to be successful
SYN mean :
The project implies an enormous investment in training.
—see also implication
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French emplier , from Latin implicare , from in- in + plicare to fold. The original sense was entwine ; in the 16th and 17th cents the word also meant employ . Compare with employ and implicate .