inference

[ in-fer-uhns, -fruhns ]

noun

1. the act or process of inferring.
2. something that is inferred:

   to make rash inferences.

3. Logic.
   1. the process of deriving the strict logical consequences of assumed premises.
   2. 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.
   3. a proposition reached by a process of inference.

inference

/ ˈɪnfərəns; -frəns /

noun

1. the act or process of inferring
2. an inferred conclusion, deduction, etc
3. any process of reasoning from premises to a conclusion
4. logic the specific mode of reasoning used See also deduction induction

inference

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

Other Words From

• mis·infer·ence noun
• pre·infer·ence noun
• super·infer·ence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inference¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see draw an inference .

Example Sentences

“Before every election, American authorities and media descend into hysteria about ‘Russain disinformation and inference,’” the embassy wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s hard to see how Mackris envisioned it ending in anything but a ruling against her: the NDA specified that she could not discuss or “disclose, directly or indirectly, by expression, implication or inference, any information concerning” the agreement, its terms, and its underlying claims.

From Slate

That reporting, the complaint alleges, creates a "reasonable inference that the Labour Party has made, and the Harris campaign has accepted, illegal foreign national contributions."

From BBC

Clement explained that “the most plausible inference” is that the notes reveal unconstitutional concealment of evidence.

From Slate

“I’m not sure we can glean a partisan inference here yet,” Wasserman said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assumption
• conjecture
• interpretation
• presumption
• reasoning
• supposition