imply

Universal Words verb (implies, implying, implied, implied) 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. * His silence seemed to imply agreement. [also VNthat] -< INFER 2 to make it seem likely that sth is true or exists: [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 VNthat] 3 [VN] (of an idea, action, etc.) to make sth necessary in order to be successful: The project implies an enormous investment in training. * Sustainable development implies a long-term perspective. seealsoIMPLICATION