implicere

Implicere is a term that can refer to several concepts, most notably within the realm of philosophy and linguistics. In philosophy, it often relates to the idea of something being indirectly suggested or understood without being explicitly stated. This involves drawing inferences from given information or context. For example, if someone says "It's getting late," it might implicitly suggest that they wish to leave. The meaning is not directly articulated but is understood through shared social conventions and situational awareness. This contrasts with explicit statements, which are direct and unambiguous.

In linguistics, the concept of implicature, closely related to implicitere, was significantly developed by philosopher H.P. Grice. Grice's theory of conversational implicature suggests that speakers often convey more than they literally say. This is achieved through the observance or deliberate flouting of conversational maxims, such as those of quantity, quality, relevance, and manner. Listeners then infer the intended meaning based on the assumption that the speaker is cooperating in the conversation. Therefore, implicitere can be seen as the act or process of creating or understanding these implied meanings. The ability to understand implicature is crucial for effective communication, allowing for nuanced and efficient exchanges of information.