inference

[ in-fer-uh ns, -fruh ns ]

/ ˈɪn fər əns, -frəns /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inference ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act or process of inferring.

something that is inferred: to make rash inferences.

Logic.

the process of deriving the strict logical consequences of assumed premises.
the process of arriving at some conclusion that, though it is not logically derivable from the assumed premises, possesses some degree of probability relative to the premises.
a proposition reached by a process of inference.

Nearby words

infective endocarditis, infecund, infelicitous, infelicity, infer, inference, inferencing, inferential, inferential statistics, inferentially, inferior

Origin of inference

From the Medieval Latin word inferentia, dating back to 1585–95. See infer, -ence

Related formsmis·in·fer·ence, nounpre·in·fer·ence, nounsu·per·in·fer·ence, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inference

The inference that the child was treated as an equal in the community is unwarranted.
Living With Disability in the Dark Ages|Elizabeth Picciuto|July 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is an example of abductive reasoning: an inference is made based on known facts, in an effort to explain them.
Is Sherlock Holmes a Good Detective?|Noah Charney|January 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The reasoning task requires the mice to make an inference by exclusion.
Are You Smarter Than a Mouse? Excerpt from Smarter: The New Science of Building Brain Power|Dan Hurley|January 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sen. Claire McCaskill said the “innuendo and inference” reminded her of Joe McCarthy.
We’re All Joe McCarthy|Michael Moynihan|February 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The inference of “it” is that Burns himself wandered a painful distance down a suicidal path after being bullied in school.
Gay Teens' New Champion Opens Up|Claire Howorth|October 17, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Of the correctness of the inference from them, Lingard admits, 'we have no opportunity of judging.'
Sir Walter Ralegh|William Stebbing
North and east of Tambov the original Ugrian population is no longer a matter of inference.
The Ethnology of Europe|Robert Gordon Latham
Neither to the extent of the inference, nor therefore to the purpose designed, were any limits visible.
Not Paul, But Jesus|Jeremy Bentham
This is done by conveying the inference that the only pure acetylsalicylic acid on the market is that known as Aspirin-Bayer.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2|Various
Their morality is always an inference from these, never the forefront of their teaching.
The Religious Experience of the Roman People|W. Warde Fowler

British Dictionary definitions for inference

inference

/ (ˈɪnfərəns, -frəns) /

noun

the act or process of inferring

an inferred conclusion, deduction, etc

any process of reasoning from premises to a conclusion

logic the specific mode of reasoning usedSee also deduction (def. 4), induction (def. 4)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for inference

inference

1590s, from Medieval Latin inferentia, from Latin inferentem (nominative inferens), present participle of inferre (see infer).

Culture definitions for inference

inference

In logic, the deriving of one idea from another. Inference can proceed through either induction or deduction.

Idioms and Phrases with inference

inference

see draw an inference.

inference

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of inference

Examples from the Web for inference

British Dictionary definitions for inference

inference

noun

Word Origin and History for inference

inference

Culture definitions for inference

inference

Idioms and Phrases with inference

inference