implicate

Pronunciation: IM-plih-kayt

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of implicate

To show or suggest that someone is involved in a crime, wrongdoing, or undesirable situation, either directly or indirectly.

Origin of implicate

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: implicare

Original meaning: to fold in, involve

How it evolved: Initially referring to physical entanglement, the meaning evolved to describe entanglement in abstract or moral contexts, such as crimes or responsibilities.

The word 'implicate' traces back to Latin, originally meaning 'to fold into' or 'to entwine,' suggesting involvement or entanglement.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember implicate

Think of 'implicate' as 'imply criminal activity'—it suggests someone is involved in a wrongdoing.

Synonyms for implicate

  • involve
  • incriminate
  • entangle
  • associate
  • link
  • embroil
  • accuse
  • connect

Antonyms of implicate

implicate in a Sentence

  1. The forensic evidence served to implicate the suspect in the intricate embezzlement scheme.
  2. Her evasive responses only seemed to implicate her further in the controversy surrounding the financial irregularities.
  3. The journalist’s investigation managed to implicate several high-ranking officials in the scandal.

implicate in Literature & Culture

The word 'implicate' frequently appears in legal dramas, investigative journalism, and political discourse to suggest culpability or moral responsibility.

Usage Notes

‘Implicate’ often carries a negative connotation, implying involvement in something illicit or undesirable. Avoid confusing it with ‘imply,’ which more broadly means to suggest indirectly without negative connotations.

Why implicate Matters for GRE & SAT

‘Implicate’ is a high-utility word for the GRE, often appearing in reading comprehension passages or sentence equivalence questions. Knowing its connotation and synonyms is crucial to understanding nuanced contexts.

Word Family

implication (noun)
The conclusion or effect derived from something suggested or inferred.
implicative (adjective)
Suggesting or implying something, especially wrongdoing.
implicatively (adverb)
In a manner that suggests or involves something.

Did You Know?

  • The phrase 'implicated in a crime' is derived from legal contexts, where evidence ties someone to unlawful acts.
  • The root 'plicare' in Latin is also found in words like 'complicate' (fold together) and 'duplicate' (fold twice).
  • Shakespeare used related terms like 'implied' and 'complicit' in his plays, highlighting their longstanding association with moral entanglement.
  • allege
  • iconoclastic — challenging or overthrowing tradition or established beliefs
  • identify — To recognize or establish what something is
  • ideologue — a person who advocates an ideology
  • ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory

More Vocabulary Words Starting with I

  • iconoclastic — challenging or overthrowing tradition or established beliefs
  • iconoclastic — challenging or overthrowing tradition or established beliefs
  • identify — To recognize or establish what something is
  • identify — To recognize or be able to name someone or something
  • identify — To recognize or be able to name someone or something
  • identify — To recognize or establish what something is
  • ideologue — a person who advocates an ideology
  • ideologue — a person who advocates an ideology
  • ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory
  • ideology — A system of ideas and ideals forming the basis of a theory