The words “imply” and “infer” are often confused because they are related to communication and understanding, but they describe different actions from different perspectives. Understanding the distinction between these terms is key to accurately expressing how meaning is conveyed and interpreted. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their meanings.
Imply
Definition:
“Imply” means to convey or suggest a meaning indirectly. When someone implies something, they are hinting at it or suggesting it without stating it outright.
Examples of use:
“Her memo implies that the project would be delayed a week, although she did not say it explicitly.”
“By his tone, he seemed to imply that he was dissatisfied with the results.”
“The advertisement implies that the product is superior to its competitors without directly stating it.”
Infer
Definition:
“Infer” means to draw a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning. When someone infers something, they are interpreting or deducing meaning from the information provided.
Examples of use:
“She infers from the evidence that the accused is not guilty, despite the initial suspicions.”
“From the way he spoke, we can infer that he was not entirely pleased with the proposal.”
“After reading the report, the committee inferred that further research was necessary before making a decision.”
“Imply” and “infer” are closely related but involve different roles in communication. “Imply” is something that speakers or writers do when they suggest something indirectly. “Infer” is something that listeners or readers do when they draw conclusions based on what has been suggested. Remember, speakers and writers imply, while listeners and readers infer. This memory hook helps in distinguishing between the two actions, ensuring clear and effective communication.
