What is implied definition?

Implied definition is a type of definition that is not explicitly stated but can be inferred from the context of the sentence or passage. In essence, it involves the use of descriptive language and context clues to convey the meaning of a term or concept without explicitly providing a definition.

Implied definitions are often used in contexts where the meaning of a term or concept is well-understood by the audience, or where providing a formal definition would be unnecessary or overly-complicated. They are also frequently used in literary and rhetorical contexts to create a more nuanced or evocative effect.

Some examples of implied definitions include:

• Referring to a person as a "scrooge" to imply that they are miserly and selfish
• Describing a dark, foreboding, and dangerous forest to imply that it is haunted or cursed
• Using technical jargon to describe a complex concept, assuming that the audience is knowledgeable enough to understand it without needing a formal definition