inferred

[in-furd]

adjective

1. derived by reasoning or concluded from evidence, or provisionally identified through either of these methods.

   An inferred weapon is one that we know exists due to forensic analysis of material from the crime scene.

2. assumed as a result of estimation or speculation.

   Investors should note the guesswork involved in the company's inferred mineral deposit, absent the site visit and technical report of a legally qualified person.

3. implied or hinted at.

   If I understand correctly, the inferred suggestion is that the journalist got his information from the victim's family.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of infer.

Other Word Forms

• quasi-inferred adjective
• uninferred adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inferred¹

infer ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

It was what kind of insider — and the company’s future strategy — investors inferred from the appointment press release and day-one commentary.

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The law now says consent will have to be evaluated according to the circumstances, noting that it cannot be inferred from "silence or lack of reaction".

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In written submissions, barrister David Sherborne said it could be "inferred" through an invoice that extensive details in a Daily Mail story ahead of Prince William's birthday party were "obtained through blagging" - meaning dishonestly.

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Aside from getting the name of the painting wrong, they inferred that this was the heritage we all share.

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He said McGreevy had a "long, complicated and sad history" and the court inferred on the day in question that the defendant was "frustrated with life and had certain complaints".

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