Commonly Confused Words: Imply vs. Infer
Introduction:
"Imply" and "Infer" are two words that are often confused because they are related in meaning but are used differently. "Imply" refers to suggesting something indirectly, while "infer" refers to drawing a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning. Let's explore their meanings and differences in detail.
Definitions Imply: A verb meaning to suggest or hint at something without saying it directly. Infer: A verb meaning to deduce or conclude information from evidence or reasoning rather than from explicit statements. Key Differences Imply refers to what someone or something suggests or hints at without directly stating it (e.g., "Her tone of voice implied that she was upset"). Infer refers to the act of drawing a conclusion based on indirect evidence or reasoning (e.g., "From his actions, I inferred that he was angry"). Examples of "Imply" (To Suggest Indirectly) His statement was meant to imply …