Imply and Infer

Imply

The verb to imply means to state indirectly (i.e., to include a suggestion in a message). Examples:

• His speech on transitioning to today's needs strongly implies that the typist pool will be made redundant.

• Would I like a pack of mints? What are you implying? I don't have bad breath, do I?

Infer

The verb to infer means to deduce (i.e., to extract a suggestion from a message). Examples:

• The reader can easily infer that Sarah needs the money but is too proud to ask for charity.

• Am I right to infer you think my team removed the safety valve? Is that what you're implying?