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

The speaker implies. The listener infers. Two sides of the same exchange.

Can I "infer" something from a text?

Yes. Infer means to draw a conclusion from evidence — a text is fair evidence.

Quick answer Canonicalizes to Imply vs. Infer

Does the speaker imply or infer?

Q: Does the speaker imply or infer?

The speaker implies. Only the listener infers. Think of the words as direction-of-travel. Imply is an outward verb — sending a message. Infer is an inward verb — drawing a conclusion from what someone else said. The two are not interchangeable, even in casual writing.

i · AnswerOne line, no lecture

The speaker implies. Only the listener infers.

ii · A little moreWhy this is the one to keep

Think of the words as direction-of-travel. Imply is an outward verb — sending a message. Infer is an inward verb — drawing a conclusion from what someone else said. The two are not interchangeable, even in casual writing.

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