Where would I be without Mr Chambers?

William and Robert Chambers, publishers in 1872 of the first Chambers's English Dictionary

Writing an author guest post this morning I had to look up the difference between infer and imply. I thought I was using imply correctly but better to check than risk my reputation as a writer. 

I was but according to Mr Chambers, infer can mean imply although 'often condemned as a misuse but generally accepted for over four centuries.'

But my reading of the definitions suggests to me that infer is based on evidence and imply more on supposition. But definitely not depending on whether it's written or spoken. Now that is libel and slander. Hang on while I check which is which ... okay, so libel is written except it also includes broadcast on the radio or television. Slander is always spoken - unless you're in Scotland where slander is used for both. 

Who said the English language was complicated?

Anyway tonight I'm off to cook spaghetti bolognese for thirty. I could be some time.