Imply vs Infer: What's the Difference?

Quick Difference

Imply means (transitive, of a proposition) To have as a necessary consequence; to lead to (something) as a consequence.. Infer means (transitive) To introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence..

Imply Meaning

(transitive, of a proposition) To have as a necessary consequence; to lead to (something) as a consequence.

Infer Meaning

(transitive) To introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence.

Imply vs Infer Comparison Table

FeatureImplyInfer

Meaning(transitive, of a proposition) To have as a necessary consequence; to lead to (something) as a consequence.(transitive) To introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence.

Part of speechverbverb

ExampleCorrelation does not imply causationThis doth infer the zeal I had to see him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between imply and infer?

Imply means (transitive, of a proposition) To have as a necessary consequence; to lead to (something) as a consequence., while infer means (transitive) To introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence..