Inference
'ɪnfərəns
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act or process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true.
'ɪnfərəns
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
From the data, the scientists made an inference about the planet's past.
💡 Simply: It's like when you see smoke, and you figure out there's probably a fire. You're making an inference, using clues to guess something.
👶 For kids: A guess that you make based on clues.
More Examples
The reader can draw their own inferences from the story.
His inference was correct, the suspect was at the scene of the crime.
How It's Used
"The detective's inference was that the butler had committed the crime."
"The jury drew an inference of guilt from the circumstantial evidence."
"Based on the data, scientists made the inference that the climate was changing."
The process of deriving a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning; the act of inferring.
'ɪnfərəns
The act of inferring something.
The process of inference requires careful consideration of the available data.
💡 Simply: It's the *doing* of figuring something out based on clues and facts.
👶 For kids: The act of making a guess using clues.
More Examples
Statistical inference helps to make predictions based on available data.
His quick inference led to a good solution.
How It's Used
"The process of inference is crucial to problem-solving."
"Statistical inference allows us to draw conclusions about populations based on samples."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *inferre* ('to bring in, conclude') + *-ence*. The word has been used since the 16th century, originally denoting the action of deducing something.
Used in the 16th century, initially referring to the act of deducing or concluding something.
Memory tip
Think of Sherlock Holmes deducing a conclusion from clues—that's an inference.
Word Origin
"to bring in, conclude"