Transmitters and receivers...

·       TRANSMITTERS AND RECEIVERS

When you imply, you transmit an indirect message.

 

When you infer, you receive the indirect message.

 

What's an indirect message?

An indirect message is the one said to be between the lines.

 

For example:

Reading between the lines, I infer the MD is content with our performance, but he clearly implies the marketing section needs an overhaul.

People ask "What are you inferring?" all the time. The overwhelming majority of the time, this is wrong. If they're being stroppy, you can slam them with: "Inferring? I don't understand. Oh, I see. I was implying...."