Master confusing words with ease
Imply vs. Infer
Imply
/ɪmˈplaɪ/Examples:
Her tone implied that he might be intruding.There is no point in implying that it was someone's fault.It implied that the Russian staff officers were educated.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Infer
/ɪnˈfɜː/Examples:
I infer that he was the cause of your disgust?"From her tone, I could infer she was disappointed.After viewing the evidence, we infer a different outcome.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Imply is an action done by the speaker or writer, while infer is an action done by the listener or reader.
- Imply involves hinting or suggesting something indirectly, whereas infer involves deducing or concluding information from evidence and reasoning.
- Remember that imply starts with I, as in I imply, meaning its the speakers perspective.
- To infer involves receiving or interpreting, thus typically the listener performs this action.
- Think of infer as similar to inference, which is the process of reaching a conclusion based on evidence.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd