Inference: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：educated guess (inference)

inference 🔊

/ˈɪn.fər.əns/

An educated guess you make by combining what you see with what you already know.

Inference illustrated as a logical reasoning process with clues on a pinboard leading to a conclusion.

educated guess 🔊

➕

/ˈedʒ.ʊ.keɪ.tɪd ɡes/

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'inferre' (to bring in, conclude), from 'in-' (into) + 'ferre' (to bear, carry).

💡 Mnemonic

INFERence: INFER a conclusion from Evidence.

📖 Example

The teacher pointed at the graph and asked the students to make an inference about the future trend based on the data. 🔊 The teacher pointed at the graph and asked the students to make an inference about the future trend based on the data.

🔗 Collocations

make an inference – to draw a conclusion based on evidence

draw an inference – to infer something from given facts

logical inference – a conclusion reached through rational reasoning

🔄 Synonyms

deduction (n.) – a conclusion reached by logical reasoning

conclusion (n.) – a judgment or decision reached by reasoning

assumption (n.) – something accepted as true without proof

🚫 Antonyms

fact (n.) – a thing that is known or proved to be true

evidence (n.) – the available body of facts indicating whether a belief is true

🌱 Derivatives

infer (v.) – to deduce or conclude from evidence and reasoning

inferential (adj.) – relating to or involving inference

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'inferre', meaning to bring in or conclude. Used in logic and philosophy since the 16th century to denote drawing conclusions from evidence.