Talk:infer

Sometimes 'infer' is confused with 'imply'. People infer, whereas statements imply.


 * Not quite. Speakers/writers imply. Listeners/readers infer. 74.59.13.194 23:31, 14 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Not quite, in British English speakers/writers can also infer, but it is rarely used now - See OED. Firsteleventh (talk) 17:14, 28 December 2022 (UTC)


 * Not quite. The OED says, regarding using "infer" for "imply": "This use is widely considered to be incorrect, esp. with a person as the subject." (Sense 4.) There is an obsolete British sense 2 but it does not have the exact meaning of "imply", but is rather "bring in, introduce ... adduce, allege". Equinox ◑ 17:16, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * My reading is correct - widely considered does not mean it is not correct. It is not obsolete in UK. Firsteleventh (talk) 17:39, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * OED are merely acknowledging international use, esp in the US as championed by Merriam Webster. Firsteleventh (talk) 17:47, 28 December 2022 (UTC)

Infer definition 3 - inflict
Not sure if ths should be considered obsolete, I have heard this used in multiple places, and use it commonly myself.


 * Can you show us sources such as printed books that use this today? Equinox ◑ 17:28, 21 October 2015 (UTC)

(transitive) indicate (formal)
(transitive) To lead you necessarily to suppose/conclude (formal): The steepness of the cliffs would normally infer modern erosion. --Backinstadiums (talk) 12:25, 1 February 2021 (UTC)


 * vs. (transitive) to imply or suggest something. JMGN (talk) 10:35, 21 March 2023 (UTC)