imply
/ɪmˈplaɪ/(verb)
AWL Sublist 3CEFR C1IELTS Band 7.0 - 9.0
Academic Definition
To strongly suggest the truth or existence of something without stating it directly.
Key Academic Collocations
Click to copyWord Family & Derivatives
implyimplicationimplicationsimpliedimplicitly
Lexical Alternatives (Synonyms)
insinuateindicatehintconnotesuggest
Academic Sample Sentences in Context
"The survey results imply that job satisfaction correlates more strongly with workplace autonomy than with financial bonuses."
"Widespread declines in fertility rates imply profound long-term challenges for pension solvency and eldercare infrastructure."
"The author did not explicitly condemn urban expansion but implied that uncontrolled development threatens natural aquifers."
IELTS Examiner Scoring Strategy (Lexical Resource)
Differentiate: a speaker or data 'implies' something; the listener or reader 'infers' something.