Allude vs. Imply — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Allude and Imply
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Definitions
Allude➦
Suggest or call attention to indirectly; hint at
She had a way of alluding to Jean but never saying her name
Imply➦
To express or state indirectly
She implied that she was in a hurry.
Allude➦
To make an indirect reference
The candidate alluded to the recent war by saying, "We've all made sacrifices.".
Imply➦
To make evident indirectly
His fine clothes implied that he was wealthy. See Usage Note at infer.
Allude➦
(intransitive) To refer to something indirectly or by suggestion.
Imply➦
To involve by logical necessity; entail
Life implies growth and death.
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Allude➦
To refer to something indirectly or by suggestion; to have reference to a subject not specifically and plainly mentioned; - followed by to; as, the story alludes to a recent transaction.
These speeches . . . do seem to allude unto such ministerial garments as were then in use.
Imply➦
To have as a necessary consequence
The proposition that "all dogs are mammals" implies that my dog is a mammal.
Allude➦
To compare allusively; to refer (something) as applicable.
Imply➦
To suggest by logical inference
When I state that your dog is brown, I am not implying that all dogs are brown.
Allude➦
Make a more or less disguised reference to;
He alluded to the problem but did not mention it
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?
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Imply➦
(archaic) to enfold, entangle.
Imply➦
To infold or involve; to wrap up.
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.
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.
Imply➦
Express or state indirectly
Imply➦
Suggest as a logically necessary consequence; in logic
Imply➦
Have as a logical consequence;
The water shortage means that we have to stop taking long showers
Imply➦
Suggest that someone is guilty
Imply➦
Have as a necessary feature or consequence; entail;
This decision involves many changes
