implication
Meaning
something that is suggested or indirectly stated
a possible effect or result of an action or decision
the fact or state of being involved in something, or of having a connection to something
Structure
Usage
He frowned, considering the full implication of her statement.
The new law has serious implications for small businesses.
She was shocked by her implication in the scandal.
Etymology
The word 'implication' originates from the Latin verb 'implicare', meaning 'to entangle' or 'to involve', which itself is a combination of the prefix 'in-' (into) and 'plicare' (to fold). The core image is of an idea or a person being folded into a situation, creating a connection that is not immediately obvious on the surface. Over time, this literal sense of being physically entangled evolved into the abstract meaning of something being indirectly suggested or logically involved. Thus, the modern meanings of 'implication'—an indirect suggestion, a likely consequence, or a state of involvement—all stem from this ancient concept of being folded in.
Analysis
- im: Latin prefix meaning 'in', 'into', or 'upon'. It is an assimilated form of 'in-' used before words beginning with 'p', 'b', or 'm'. - plic: Latin root from 'plicare', meaning 'to fold', 'to bend', or 'to twist'. - ation: Latin-derived noun suffix forming words of action or state.