Select the one word that best substitutes the phrase the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.

Introduction / Context:
This is a one word substitution question. You are given a descriptive phrase and must choose the single word that conveys the same meaning. The phrase here is the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated. One word substitution questions are popular in competitive exams because they check precision of vocabulary and understanding of subtle differences between related terms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Descriptive phrase: the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.
Options: illustration, elucidation, implication, and explication.
We must find the word that best matches the idea of an unstated but suggested conclusion.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase points to a meaning or conclusion that is suggested indirectly rather than openly declared. In English, implication refers to a meaning, suggestion, or conclusion that can be inferred from what is said or done, even when not clearly expressed. Illustration generally means an example or picture that helps explain something. Elucidation means clarification or explanation, making things clearer. Explication refers to detailed explanation or interpretation, especially of a text. Only implication captures the idea of an indirect or unstated conclusion that a listener or reader can draw.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Highlight the key part of the phrase: conclusion that can be drawn although it is not explicitly stated. Step 2: Recall the meaning of implication as a suggested meaning or conclusion that is not directly expressed but can be inferred. Step 3: Compare this with illustration, which usually gives examples or pictures to make an idea clearer and is an explicit tool, not an unstated conclusion. Step 4: Consider elucidation, which means the act of explaining something clearly, again an explicit process rather than an indirect hint. Step 5: Note that explication implies detailed explanation or analysis, not a hidden meaning, and therefore choose implication as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test the word implication in a sentence similar to the definition. For example, The implication of his statement is that he may resign soon. Here, the actual resignation is not said directly, but it is the conclusion that listeners can draw. If we try illustration, elucidation, or explication in this sentence, the meaning changes completely and no longer refers to an unstated conclusion. Dictionaries clearly define implication as something that is suggested or inferred, confirming that this is the best substitution for the given phrase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A illustration denotes an example, image, or case used to clarify an idea, not a hidden or indirect conclusion. Option B elucidation focuses on making something clearer through direct explanation, which contradicts the idea of something not explicitly stated. Option D explication is a detailed explanation or interpretation, again emphasising explicit discussion rather than an implied meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse implication with explanation or illustration because all four words are used in academic contexts. The important difference is that implication is about what is suggested indirectly, while elucidation, explication, and illustration refer to processes that make ideas more explicit. A good learning strategy is to group vocabulary into families like imply, implication, implicit versus explain, explanation, explicit and create example sentences that highlight the differences.

Final Answer:
implication