By Ranjana S.

What's the difference between "imply" and "infer" ?

   

    

You imply that you don't like your job. You could be more direct and come right out and say so, but you prefer subtlety,- after all you are still in that job. So instead of expressing  yourself unequivocally, you try and make an implication.

Your boss infers, from your interaction, your cues, innuendos, perhaps your actions say it all. He draws an inference, and decides to talk it out. He considers you as an indispensable asset, assures you that all lacunae will be fixed, so you stay put.

To imply is to hint or express indirectly. Only a person speaking or acting can imply anything; or his words or actions can make the implications.

To infer is to draw a conclusion from someone's implication. Only a listener or watcher can infer anything.

Look at these sentences:

§  Your words imply that I am hiding something.

§  Do you infer from what she says that she dislikes you.

§  His actions imply that he does not know what he is upto.

§  What inference can we draw from the facts that Alice and Boris have shown us.

§  I resent your implication that I kept you in the dark.

§  It is unfortunate that you are always making implications about your friend's dishonesty.