implication
something suggested but not directly stated
Roots
- in- / im- (in/into): in, into, within, or on
- plic: fold, fold together, or unfold
Other words with the plic root
- complicate: to make something harder by folding in more parts
- explicable: able to be explained
- explicit: clearly stated or shown
- implicit: implied rather than directly stated
- imply: to suggest without stating directly
An implication is meaning folded inside what was said.
The implication of the policy was clear: late forms would not be reviewed.
Implication is the noun side of imply. It is not shouted; it is carried inside the words, waiting for the reader to unfold it.