The stated or explicit meaning is what is directly expressed or stated in the text. It is the literal meaning of the words with little or no ambiguity or interpretation required.
Implied Meaning:
The implied or implicit meaning is what is suggested, hinted, or inferred from the text but not directly stated. It requires readers to go beyond the surface level of the text and draw conclusions based on clues, context, or subtext.
Here's an example to illustrate:
Stated Meaning:
"Mary went to the park."
This sentence conveys the explicit information that Mary went to the park.
Implied Meaning:
"Mary went to the park, but she didn't seem to be enjoying herself."
In this example, the stated meaning is that Mary went to the park, but the implied meaning is that she might not have been having a good time there. The word "but" suggests a contrast between going to the park and not enjoying it.
Understanding implied meanings is essential for fully comprehending a text and gaining a deeper understanding of the author's intended message or purpose. It requires critical thinking and analysis of the context and clues provided within the text.