Implication vs. Implicature: A Breakdown
Both implication and implicature involve conveying meaning beyond the literal words spoken, but they differ in how the meaning is conveyed and what kind of meaning is intended.
Implication:
* Definition: A conclusion that can be logically drawn from a statement, even if it's not explicitly stated.
* Nature: Based on logical inference. It's a direct consequence of the statement's truth.
* Example: "The cat is on the mat. The mat is in the living room." Implication: The cat is in the living room.
Implicature:
* Definition: An additional meaning that is suggested or hinted at, but not explicitly stated.
* Nature: Based on contextual information, shared knowledge, and assumptions. It's not a logical consequence of the statement itself, but rather an interpretation based on the situation.
* Example: "It's a bit chilly in here." Implicature: The speaker is suggesting that someone should close the window or turn up the heat.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Implication | Implicature |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Logical inference | Contextual interpretation |
| Connection to statement | Direct consequence | Suggested meaning, not necessarily true |
| Explicitness | Implicit, but logically derived | Implicit, relying on shared knowledge |
| Denial | Can be denied without contradicting the statement | Can be denied without contradicting the statement |
Examples:
* Implication: "All dogs are mammals. My pet is a dog." Implication: My pet is a mammal.
* Implicature: "I went to the store and bought some milk." Implicature: The speaker may be implying that they ran out of milk and needed to buy more.
In summary:
* Implication is a logical connection between statements, while implicature is a suggested meaning based on context and shared knowledge.
* Implication is more about truth and logic, while implicature is more about interpretation and communication.