implication

/ˈɪmpləˌkeɪʃən/

/ɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/

Other forms: implications

An implication is something that is suggested, or happens, indirectly. When you left the gate open and the dog escaped, you were guilty by implication.

Implication has many different senses. Usually, when used in the plural, implications are effects or consequences that may happen in the future. You might ask, "What are the implications of our decision?" Implication is also the state of being implicated, or connected to something bad: "Are you surprised by their implication that you were involved in the crime?"

Definitions of implication

1. noun

   something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied)
   “his resignation had political implications”

   synonyms: deduction, entailment, inference

   type of:

   illation, inference

   the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation
2. noun

   a meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred
   “the expectation was spread both by word and by implication”

   synonyms: import, significance, subtext

   type of:

   meaning, substance

   the idea that is intended
3. noun

   an accusation that brings into intimate and usually incriminating connection
   types:

   unspoken accusation, veiled accusation

   an accusation that is understood without needing to be spoken

   innuendo, insinuation

   an indirect (and usually malicious) implication

   type of:

   accusal, accusation

   a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person; the act of imputing blame or guilt
4. noun

   a relation implicated by virtue of involvement or close connection (especially an incriminating involvement)
   “he was suspected of implication in several robberies”

   type of:

   involvement

   a connection of inclusion or containment
5. noun

   a logical relation between propositions p and q of the form `if p then q'; if p is true then q cannot be false
   synonyms: conditional relation, logical implication

   type of:

   logical relation

   a relation between propositions