Define vs. Imply — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 19, 2024
Define means to state the meaning of a word or concept explicitly, while imply means to suggest or hint at something without stating it directly.
Difference Between Define and Imply
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Define involves giving a clear and explicit meaning or explanation of a term or concept. When you define something, you provide a precise and often formal description, ensuring that others understand exactly what is meant. For example, dictionaries define words to establish their meanings. Imply, on the other hand, means to suggest or hint at something indirectly. When you imply something, you convey a message or idea without explicitly stating it. This requires the listener or reader to infer the intended meaning from the context or from what is not directly said.
When you define a term, you clarify its meaning and eliminate ambiguity. Definitions are essential for clear communication and understanding, especially in academic, legal, or technical contexts. In contrast, to imply is to communicate subtly, often leaving room for interpretation. Implications can add depth to communication, allowing for nuance and subtext, which can be especially effective in literature, conversation, or rhetoric.
Definitions are concrete and leave little room for misunderstanding, as they aim to provide a precise meaning. Implications, however, rely on the audience's ability to read between the lines and understand the underlying message. This can make implications more versatile in communication but also more dependent on context and the listener's interpretive skills.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
To state the meaning of a word or concept
To suggest or hint at something indirectly
Nature
Explicit and precise
Indirect and subtle
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Purpose
Clarify and explain
Suggest or indicate without stating outright
Communication Style
Direct
Indirect
Dependency
Relies on clear language
Relies on context and inference
Use Case
Academic, legal, technical contexts
Literature, conversation, rhetoric
Compare with Definitions
Define
To explain the meaning of a word or concept clearly.
The teacher asked the students to define 'photosynthesis.'
Imply
To involve or suggest as a logical consequence.
Accepting the job would imply moving to a new city.
Define
To state precisely what something means.
The dictionary defines 'optimism' as hopefulness and confidence about the future.
Imply
To leave something to be understood without direct expression.
The author implies a deeper meaning through the characters' actions.
Define
To describe the essential qualities of something.
The contract clearly defines the terms of the agreement.
Imply
To indicate or hint at something indirectly.
The evidence implies that she was present at the scene of the crime.
Define
To determine the boundaries or extent of something.
The map defines the borders of each country.
Imply
To suggest something without explicitly stating it.
His tone of voice implied that he was not happy with the decision.
Define
State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
The contract will seek to define the client's obligations
Imply
To convey an idea subtly through context or behavior.
Her smile implied that she agreed with the plan.
Define
Mark out the boundary or limits of
The river defines the park's boundary
Imply
To express or state indirectly
She implied that she was in a hurry.
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
Imply
To make evident indirectly
His fine clothes implied that he was wealthy. See Usage Note at infer.
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
Imply
To involve by logical necessity; entail
Life implies growth and death.
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Imply
To have as a necessary consequence
The proposition that "all dogs are mammals" implies that my dog is a mammal.
Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Imply
To suggest by logical inference
When I state that your dog is brown, I am not implying that all dogs are brown.
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Imply
To hint; to insinuate; to suggest tacitly and avoid a direct statement
What do you mean "we need to be more careful with hygiene"? Are you implying that I don't wash my hands?
Define
To make or write a definition.
Imply
(archaic) to enfold, entangle.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Imply
To infold or involve; to wrap up.
Define
(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.
Imply
To involve in substance or essence, or by fair inference, or by construction of law, when not include virtually; as, war implies fighting.
Where a malicious act is proved, a malicious intention is implied.
When a man employs a laborer to work for him, . . . the act of hiring implies an obligation and a promise that he shall pay him a reasonable reward for his services.
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Imply
To refer, ascribe, or attribute.
Whence might this distaste arise?
If [from] neither your perverse and peevish will.To which I most imply it.
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Imply
Express or state indirectly
Define
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Imply
Suggest as a logically necessary consequence; in logic
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
Imply
Have as a logical consequence;
The water shortage means that we have to stop taking long showers
Define
(mathematics) To establish the referent of a term or notation.
Imply
Suggest that someone is guilty
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Imply
Have as a necessary feature or consequence; entail;
This decision involves many changes
Define
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Define
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Define
To determine; to decide.
Define
Give a definition for the meaning of a word;
Define `sadness'
Define
Determine the essential quality of
Define
Determine the nature of;
What defines a good wine?
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
Define
To make distinct or clear.
The artist used bold lines to define the shapes in the painting.
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to define a word?
To define a word means to explain its meaning clearly and precisely.
Can defining a term ever be subjective?
Definitions should be objective, but in some cases, especially with abstract concepts, they can be open to interpretation.
What does it mean when someone implies something?
When someone implies something, they suggest it indirectly without stating it outright.
Can something be implied in written text?
Yes, authors often imply meanings in written text through context, subtext, and the way they present information.
How do definitions help in legal contexts?
Definitions help in legal contexts by providing precise meanings to terms, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes.
How does imply differ from infer?
Imply means to suggest something indirectly, while infer means to deduce or conclude something from evidence or reasoning.
Is it possible to define abstract concepts?
Yes, but defining abstract concepts can be challenging and often requires careful wording to convey the intended meaning accurately.
Why is defining terms important in academic writing?
Defining terms is important in academic writing to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.
Can you provide an example of implying something?
Saying "It's getting late" to imply that it's time for guests to leave is an example of implying.
What are the implications of a statement?
The implications of a statement are the ideas or consequences suggested by it, even if not explicitly stated.
What role do definitions play in dictionaries?
Definitions in dictionaries provide the standard meanings of words, helping users understand and use them correctly.
What is a synonym for imply?
A synonym for imply is suggest.
How does one infer an implication?
One infers an implication by interpreting the context and reading between the lines to understand the unstated message.
Can implications be intentional?
Yes, implications can be intentional, often used to convey a message subtly or diplomatically.
Are definitions always permanent?
Definitions can evolve over time as language and societal understanding change.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
