Some Misused Words.
JN THE LATEST issue of “John o’ London’s Weekly ” there occurs this very informative warning against the common misuse of “ infer.” To infer is to deduce or interpret a speaker’s meaning; to imply is to extend your own. “ I infer from what you tell me . . . .” “In saying that do you wish to imply.” The words being really in opposition, their confused use is as strange as it is irritating. “ Usury ” is a word that has changed its character. Originally it meant the act or practice of lending money at interest, but nowadays it applies to exorbitant or extortionate interest. Nevertheless, even the Bible appears to use it in both senses, for Exodus 22 and 25 says, “ Neither shalt thou lay upon him usury,” and Matthew 25 and 27, says, “ Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.” TOUCHSTONE. _
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Bibliographic details
Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 494, 1 July 1932, Page 6
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157Some Misused Words. Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 494, 1 July 1932, Page 6
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