What is the Difference Between Imply and Infer?

The words "imply" and "infer" are often confused, but they have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are the differences between the two:

• Imply: This verb means to express or suggest something indirectly, without explicitly stating it. It is typically used by the speaker, who is giving information. For example, "A friend's gruff manner would imply that she's in a foul mood".
• Infer: This verb means to draw a conclusion or make an educated guess based on some evidence, especially indirect evidence. It is typically used by the listener, who is taking information. For example, "From what you've said, I infer that it wasn't the first time this had happened".

In summary, the speaker implies, and the listener infers. Implying involves hinting at something without stating it directly, while inferring involves making an educated guess based on the information provided.

Comparative Table: Imply vs Infer

Here is a table that outlines the difference between "imply" and "infer":

For example:

• The speaker implies that there is a fire nearby by mentioning the presence of smoke.
• The listener infers that there is a fire nearby based on the speaker's mention of smoke.

In summary, "imply" refers to suggesting something indirectly, while "infer" refers to drawing a conclusion from the indirect suggestion provided by the speaker.