Confusing Words Questions Medium
The difference between imply and infer lies in their roles within a conversation or written text.
Imply is a verb that means to suggest or indicate something indirectly or without explicitly stating it. When someone implies something, they are hinting at a particular meaning or message without directly expressing it. It is the act of conveying a message without explicitly stating it.
On the other hand, infer is also a verb, but it refers to the act of deducing or concluding something based on evidence or reasoning. When someone infers something, they are drawing a logical conclusion or making an educated guess based on the information presented to them. It is the act of understanding or interpreting a message that has been implied by someone else.
In summary, imply is used when someone suggests or hints at something, while infer is used when someone deduces or concludes something based on the information provided. Imply is about the speaker or writer, while infer is about the listener or reader.