Imply vs Infer — Difference Explained
imply vs infer: The speaker implies (suggests without stating directly). The listener infers (draws a conclusion from what is said).
Verdict at a Glance
- Key difference: The speaker implies (suggests without stating directly). The listener infers (draws a conclusion from what is said).
- Memory tip: The speaker IMplies (IM = I Message). The listener INfers (IN = INterpret).
- Best for: GRE test-takers preparing for Sentence Equivalence, Text Completion, Words-in-Context, and academic writing tasks where imply and infer are easily confused.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | imply | infer |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Definition | To suggest indirectly | To conclude from evidence |
| Example sentence | Are you implying that I'm wrong? | From his tone, I inferred that he was upset. |
| Synonyms | suggest, hint, indicate | deduce, conclude, gather |
Memory Tip
The speaker IMplies (IM = I Message). The listener INfers (IN = INterpret).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'infer' when the subject is the speaker (should be 'imply')
- Saying 'he inferred that...' when meaning 'he implied that...'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between imply and infer?
The speaker implies (suggests without stating directly). The listener infers (draws a conclusion from what is said).
What does imply mean?
To suggest indirectly
What does infer mean?
To conclude from evidence
How can I remember the difference between imply and infer?
The speaker IMplies (IM = I Message). The listener INfers (IN = INterpret).
What are common mistakes with imply and infer?
Using 'infer' when the subject is the speaker (should be 'imply') Saying 'he inferred that...' when meaning 'he implied that...'
Which is better for GRE: imply or infer?
Both imply and infer appear in GRE reading and writing contexts. Knowing both — and the precise difference between them — is what test-makers reward, since they often appear as distractors for one another in Sentence Equivalence and Words-in-Context questions.