implement
UK[ˈɪmplɪmənt]US[ˈɪmplɪmənt]
v
To put a plan, system, or decision into effect.
n
A tool, utensil, or piece of equipment used for a particular purpose.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
ple
ment
im
in
ple
fill
ment
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'implement' originates from the Late Latin 'implementum', meaning "a filling up, fulfillment". This itself is derived from the Latin verb 'implēre', composed of 'in-' (into) and 'plēre' (to fill), conveying the sense of "to fill up, fulfill, complete". The core semantic logic is that to implement a plan is to "fill it in" with action, thereby completing or fulfilling it. Over time, this abstract sense of "fulfillment" gave rise to the concrete noun meaning of a "tool" or "instrument"—an object that fulfills or completes a task.
Analysis
Structure: im (in) + ple (fill) + ment (noun suffix)
- im: Latin prefix, a form of 'in-', meaning "in, into, on".
- ple: From Latin root '-plē-', a variant of 'plēre', meaning "to fill".
- ment: Latin suffix '-mentum', used to form nouns indicating an instrument or resulting state.
Examples
The company will implement new safety protocols next month.
A sharp knife is an essential kitchen implement.
The government struggled to implement the policy effectively across all regions.