inference
IN-fer-unss
/ˈɪn.fər.əns/
A conclusion or step in reasoning reached on the basis of evidence and observations.
Inference is the cognitive step of connecting clues to a reasonable conclusion.
The story behind the word. Derived from Medieval Latin 'inferentia', from 'inferre' ('to carry into'). An inference is a conclusion that you carry forward into your mind based on clues.
Word relationships
- deduction: Deduction is a formal strict logical type of inference, whereas inference encompasses any mental step from evidence to conclusion.
- deducement: Deducement is an archaic synonym; inference is the standard modern usage.
- observation: An observation is direct sensory input, while an inference is an interpretation derived from observations.
Commonly confused with
- implication: An implication is a hint embedded by a speaker/writer; an inference is the conclusion drawn by the listener/reader.
Word family
- infer (verb): To derive a conclusion from evidence.
- inferential (adjective): Relating to or derived by inference.
Collocations
- draw an inference
- reasonable inference
- direct inference
- statistical inference
Idioms & expressions
- by inference
Example sentences
- "From the muddy footprints near the doorway, the detective made a quick inference regarding the suspect's path." Detective Investigation
- "Human speech understanding relies on constant, instantaneous inference beyond the literal meaning of words." Cognitive Science
Memory hook
IN-ference brings new ideas IN-to your mind from facts. Carrying clues forward into a conclusion.
When not to use
Do not confuse 'infer' (the thinker draws a conclusion) with 'imply' (the speaker hints at something). Writers imply; readers infer.
Fun facts
- The confusion between 'infer' and 'imply' is one of the most persistent errors recorded by English grammarians over the last century.
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