Which term represents the act of indicating something without explicitly stating it?

The term that represents the act of indicating something without explicitly stating it is "imply." To imply is to convey an idea or feeling in a subtle or indirect manner, allowing the reader or listener to infer the meaning without it being directly articulated. This technique is often employed in literature and conversation where the context and nuances provide deeper layers of meaning.

For instance, an author might imply a character's feelings through their actions or through the atmosphere created in a scene, rather than through overt statements. This allows for a richer interpretation by the audience, who must engage with the text to uncover the underlying messages.

In contrast, the other terms do not encapsulate this specific concept. "Establish" generally refers to setting up or creating something, "suggest" implies offering an idea for consideration but can be more direct than "imply," and "impact" refers to having a strong effect on something, rather than the nuanced act of suggesting something indirectly.