inference

[ in-fer-uhns, -fruhns ]

/ ˈɪn fər əns, -frəns /

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See synonyms for: inference / inferences 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.

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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

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Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of inference

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

OTHER WORDS FROM inference

mis·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. 2022

How to use inference in a sentence

If I were you, I would be careful about drawing any inferences from that.
Republicans Are Racists? No, It’s Just All a Big Coincidence|Michael Tomasky|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The findings are indeed fascinating, but Kudrna is careful not to allow any easy inferences.
Can Grandpa Kick Your Ass?|Anna Brand|December 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“I think that certain things said by Mr. Malis are either unfair, incorrect, or draw inappropriate inferences,” he intoned.
Jonathan Malis and the DOJ Leak Investigation|Daniel Klaidman|May 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If there be in it any inferences which I may believe to be falsely drawn, I do not now and here, argue against them.
Lincoln the Primitive Communicator? What He Can Teach Modern Politicians|Douglas L. Wilson|December 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Mollie King was photographed wearing 'Royal Blue' yesterday, and the Daily Mail is making inferences....
If Mollie is Wearing 'Royal Blue', Does That Mean She is Dating Harry?|Tom Sykes|April 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Stung to the soul, Louis threw himself at her feet, to proclaim his innocence of all these inferences, before heaven and her.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
The practical inferences to be drawn from these facts regarding the value of soils are of the highest importance.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry|Thomas Anderson
There would have to be reservations in any inferences drawn from these figures.
Report of the Special Committee on Moral Delinquency in Children and Adolescents|Oswald Chettle Mazengarb et al.
This doctrine is true and I hope that another year you will draw some practical inferences from it.
Private Letters of Edward Gibbon (1753-1794) Volume 1 (of 2)|Edward Gibbon
On the contrasts of acts themselves, the reader will make his own remarks and inferences.
The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2|Egerton Ryerson

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

Cultural definitions for inference

inference

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

Other Idioms and Phrases with inference

inference

see draw an inference.

inference

Origin of inference

OTHER WORDS FROM inference

Words related to inference

How to use inference in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for inference

Cultural definitions for inference

Other Idioms and Phrases with inference