In truth, the meanings of infer and imply have overlapped since the 16th century, making the need for a distinction a matter of preference.

INFERRING definition: using reasoning or evidence to derive or conclude something. See examples of inferring used in a sentence.

To infer means 'to deduce', and is used in the construction to infer something from something: I inferred from what she said that she had not been well. To imply (sense 1) means 'to suggest, to insinuate' …

When you're pointing, for instance, they're inferring what you want, what direction it is you're suggesting they go.

Infer is now often used with the same meaning as imply. However, many people consider that a sentence such as Are you inferring that I’m a liar? is incorrect, although it is fairly common in speech. …

Laura's comment about being a seasoned traveller was also annoying, inferring that Sophie was not. And I didn't like what he was inferring about Hoffman's state of mind. → See infer.... Click for English …

When you infer, you listen closely to someone and guess at things they mean but haven't actually said. It’s like guessing, but not making wild guesses. You're making deductions — guesses based on logic.

Inferring is the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. It involves using existing knowledge and observations to deduce something that …

Are you inferring that I'm wrong? Many people regard this use of infer as an error, but it occurs commonly in spoken English.

in•fer′a•bly, adv. in•fer′rer, n. deduce, reason, guess. Infer has been used to mean "to hint or suggest'' since the 16th century by speakers and writers of unquestioned ability and eminence: The next …