Definition of "imply" in English

verb

1. (transitive, of a proposition) To have as a necessary consequence; to lead to (something) as a consequence.

   • Correlation does not imply causation
   • The proposition that "all dogs are mammals" implies that my dog is a mammal.

2. (transitive, of a person) To suggest by logical inference.

   • When I state that your dog is brown, I am not implying that all dogs are brown.

3. (transitive, of a person or proposition) 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?

4. (archaic) To enfold, entangle.