imply

/ɪmˈplaɪ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: implies · implying · IMPLYs

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To have as a necessary consequence; to lead to (something) as a consequence.

Verb

Examples

Correlation does not imply causation

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To suggest by logical inference.

Verb

Examples

When I state that your dog is brown, I am not implying that all dogs are brown.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A logic gate that implements material implication.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “imply” mean?

To have as a necessary consequence; to lead to (something) as a consequence.

Is “imply” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.