im|plode / I mploʊ d/ (implodes , imploding , imploded )
1 VERB If something implodes , it collapses into itself in a sudden and violent way. □ [V ] The engine imploded.
2 VERB If something such as an organization or a system implodes , it suddenly ends completely because it cannot deal with the problems it is experiencing. □ [V ] …the possibility that the party may implode in opposition.
im|plore / I mplɔː r / (implores , imploring , implored ) VERB If you implore someone to do something, you ask them to do it in a forceful, emotional way. □ [V n to-inf] Opposition leaders this week implored the president to break the deadlock. □ [V n with quote] 'Tell me what to do!' she implored him. [Also V with quote, V n]
im|plor|ing / I mplɔː r I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] An imploring look, cry, or letter shows that you very much want someone to do something and are afraid they may not do it. □ Frank looked at Jim with imploring eyes. ● im|plor|ing|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Michael looked at him imploringly, eyes brimming with tears.
im|ply ◆◇◇ / I mpla I / (implies , implying , implied )
1 VERB If you imply that something is the case, you say something which indicates that it is the case in an indirect way. □ [V that] 'Are you implying that I have something to do with those attacks?' she asked coldly. □ [V -ed] She felt undermined by the implied criticism. [Also V n]
2 VERB If an event or situation implies that something is the case, it makes you think it likely that it is the case. □ [V that] Exports in June rose 1.5%, implying that the economy was stronger than many investors thought. □ [V n] A high fat intake nearly always implies a low fibre intake. SYNONYMS imply VERB 1
suggest: It is wrong to suggest that there are easy alternatives.
insinuate: Are you insinuating that I smell?
hint: The President hinted he might make some changes in the government.
indicate: Mr Rivers has indicated that he may resign.
intimate: She intimated that she was contemplating a shake-up of the company.
im|po|lite / I mpəla I t/ ADJ If you say that someone is impolite , you mean that they are rather rude and do not have good manners. □ It is impolite to ask too many questions.
im|pon|der|able / I mpɒ ndərəb ə l/ (imponderables ) N‑COUNT An imponderable is something unknown which it is difficult or impossible to estimate or make correct guesses about. □ They are speculating on the imponderables of the future.
im|port ◆◆◇ (imports , importing , imported ) The verb is pronounced / I mpɔː r t/. The noun is pronounced / I mpɔː r t/. 1 VERB To import products or raw materials means to buy them from another country for use in your own country. □ [V n] Britain last year spent nearly £5000 million more on importing food than selling abroad. □ [V + from ] …oil, soy and other products it plans to import from Brazil. □ [V -ed] …imported goods from Mexico and India. ● N‑UNCOUNT Import is also a noun. □ [+ of ] There were new restrictions on the import of sweet chestnut trees. ● im|por|ta|tion / I mpɔː r te I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …restrictions concerning the importation of birds.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Imports are products or raw materials bought from another country for use in your own country. □ …farmers protesting about cheap imports.
3 N‑UNCOUNT The import of something is its importance. [FORMAL ] □ Such arguments are of little import.
4 VERB If you import files or information into one type of software from another type, you open them in a format that can be used in the new software. [COMPUTING ] □ [V n] This device will enable you to import these files onto your computer.
5 N‑SING [with poss] The import of something is its meaning, especially when the meaning is not clearly expressed. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] I have already spoken about the import of his speech.
im|por|tance ◆◇◇ / I mpɔː r t ə ns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT The importance of something is its quality of being significant, valued, or necessary in a particular situation. □ [+ of ] We have always stressed the importance of economic reform. □ Safety is of paramount importance.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Importance means having influence, power, or status. SYNONYMS importance NOUN 1
significance: Ideas about the social significance of religion have changed over time.
worth: He had never had a woman of her worth as a friend.
consequence: Where he is from is of no consequence to me.
substance: It's questionable whether anything of substance has been achieved.
im|por|tant ◆◆◆ / I mpɔː r t ə nt/
1 ADJ Something that is important is very significant, is highly valued, or is necessary. □ The planned general strike represents an important economic challenge to the government. □ It's important to answer her questions as honestly as you can. □ It was important that he rest. ● im|por|tant|ly ADV □ I was hungry, and, more importantly, my children were hungry.
2 ADJ Someone who is important has influence or power within a society or a particular group. □ …an important figure in the media world. USAGE important