inference
IN-fer-unss
/ˈɪnfərəns/
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Focuses on the step of stepping from known facts to a new logical conclusion.
The story behind the word. berasal from Medieval Latin 'inferentia', from Latin 'inferre' meaning 'to bring in' or 'carry into'. In logic, an inference 'carries' your mind from existing observations into a new logical realization.
Word relationships
- deduction: Deduction guarantees truth if premises are true; inference is broader and includes probabilistic conclusions.
- fact: A fact is directly observed reality, whereas an inference is derived by interpretation.
Commonly confused with
- implication: A speaker creates an implication; a listener draws an inference.
Word family
- infer (verb): To deduce or conclude from evidence.
- inferential (adjective): Relating to or involving logical inference.
Collocations
- logical inference
- draw an inference
- make an inference
- statistical inference
Idioms & expressions
- read between the lines
Example sentences
- "From the sales data, the team made an inference that customer demand spikes during rainy weekends." Data analysis
Memory hook
Inference = In + Fer (carry); carrying clues into a final conclusion. Inference = drawing conclusions from clues.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'implication' (the hint given by the sender vs the conclusion drawn by the receiver).
Fun facts
- Detectives like Sherlock Holmes technically rely on 'abductive inference' rather than pure deduction.
Explore more words
conclusion, infer, deduce, predict, circumstantial, induction
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