/ɪnˈfɛrəns/ iN-fər-əns

Definitions

1. noun

The act of drawing a conclusion or making an educated guess based on evidence or observation.

“The scientist’s inference about the new species was later proven to be accurate.”

2. noun

A conclusion or interpretation drawn from evidence or observation.

“The jury had to make an inference from the available testimony to reach a verdict.”

3. verb

To draw a conclusion or make an educated guess based on evidence or observation.

“From the data, the researcher inferred a pattern in consumer behavior.”

4. noun

A result or consequence that is not immediately obvious, but can be deduced from given information.

“The hidden message was an inference that only a few people could decipher.”

5. noun

A suggestion or implication, often subtle.

“The tone of the letter was an inference of disapproval.”