implicit
UK[ɪmˈplɪsɪt]US[ɪmˈplɪsɪt]
adj
suggested or understood without being stated directly
adj
forming a necessary part of something, without which it cannot exist
Morpheme Breakdown
im
plic
it
im
in
plic
fold
it
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'implicit' originates from the latin 'implicitus', the past participle of 'implicare', meaning 'to entangle, involve, or fold in'. This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (in, into) and 'plicare' (to fold). The core image is of something being folded into something else, thus concealed or involved within it. Over time, this literal sense of being 'folded in' evolved semantically to describe ideas, meanings, or conditions that are not outwardly expressed but are contained or involved within a statement, situation, or agreement, leading to its modern meanings of being implied or inherent.
Analysis
Structure: im (in) + plic (fold) + it (adjective suffix)
- im: latin origin, a variant of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'in, into, on'.
- plic: latin origin, from the root of 'plicare' meaning 'to fold'.
- it: latin origin, an adjectival suffix.
Examples
His criticism was implicit in his choice of words.
There is an implicit trust between the two partners.
The ability to listen is implicit in the role of a counselor.