What is imply? Pronunciation and usage in English

imply means . Learn how to pronounce and use imply through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of imply

implyverb

/ɪmˈplʌɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of imply

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "imply." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "im" - This is pronounced like the "im" in "him" or "swim." It's a short, quick "im" sound.
  • "ply" - This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "play" but with a slightly more emphasized "lay" sound. Think of it as “play” but with a strong “ay” vowel.

2. Putting it Together:

So, combining those sounds, you get: im-PLAY

3. Stress:

The stress is on the second syllable: im-PLAY (pronounced like "im-PLAY")

Here’s a breakdown of common errors and how to fix them:

  • Don't say "im-PLOY": This is a very common mistake. The "oy" sound doesn't belong in this word.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "i": Keep the "im" short and quick.
  • Don't pronounce it like "im-plee": This is completely wrong.

Resources to Help You:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences where "imply" is used?
  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly for you?

Usage and examples with the word imply in English

Let's break down how to use the word "imply" correctly! It's a tricky word that's often confused with "infer." Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Definition:

  • To imply means to suggest something indirectly, without stating it explicitly. It's about hinting at a meaning or idea. Think of it as letting something suggest itself.

2. Key Differences from "Infer":

This is the most common source of confusion. Here's how they relate:

  • Imply (verb): The speaker/writer is doing the suggesting. They are conveying a meaning indirectly.
  • Infer (verb): The listener/reader is drawing a conclusion based on the implied meaning.

3. How to Use "Imply":

Here are examples to illustrate different ways to use "imply":

  • Direct Implication: "His silence implied disapproval." (He didn’t say he disapproved, but his silence suggested it.)
  • Subtle Implication: "She wore a black dress to the wedding – it implied she wasn't happy to be there." (The dress isn't literally saying she's unhappy, but it’s a suggestion of that feeling.)
  • Implying a Cause: "The broken window implied that someone had broken in." (The broken window suggests an intruder.)
  • Implying a Future Action: "He sighed and said, 'I imply I'm tired.'" (The sigh suggests he is tired, and his statement reinforces this implication.)
  • In Writing: "The author implied a dark and ominous mood through the use of shadowy descriptions." (The author suggested this mood, rather than stating it directly.)

4. Phrases You'll Often See with "Imply":

  • "It implies that..." - “It implies that the company is facing financial difficulties.”
  • "He/She implied a threat." - “He implied a threat when he said, 'You’d better be careful.'"
  • "The data implies..." - “The data implies a strong correlation between exercise and improved health.”

5. Common Mistakes:

  • Using "imply" when you mean "infer." (Remember, you infer, the speaker implies.) Example: Incorrect: "I imply that you're wrong." Correct: "I infer that you’re wrong."
  • Saying "He implied it was raining" when it wasn't raining. This is a misuse – he suggested it was raining (perhaps through a comment about dark clouds), but he didn’t actually make it rain.

6. Resources for More Practice:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you struggling with the difference between “imply” and “infer”?
  • Can you give me a sentence where you’re unsure about using “imply”?

Synonyms for the word imply

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