rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinferenceReasoned conclusion
noun

inference

IN-fer-uns/ˈɪnfərəns/

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning.

She makes an inference from the matching boot tread and muddy footprint.

An older woman identifies which of three boots made a muddy footprint by comparing its distinctive tread with the soles.
Etymology
inLatinin, into
+ferLatincarry, bear
+enceLatinaction or state

“Carrying in” became an image for bringing in a conclusion through reasoning. Inference first named that act, then also the conclusion produced by it.

In context

Diligent Denizen79:15
that, he's also saying that the positive evidence that he had sent off, he heard nothing back. So there's a good chance that this was investigated, which is a reasonable inference and there just wasn't anything.
ANDREW WILSON VS DILIGENT DENIZEN DEBATE 8/29/2026 UNEDITED

More examples

  • The evidence supported a different inference.
  • He drew an unwarranted inference from her silence.
  • The conclusion was an inference rather than a directly observed fact.

Forms

inference · inferences

infer verb — draw a conclusion from evidence

Similar words

deduction
Deduction is a particular reasoning process; inference includes conclusions reached in other ways.
guess
A guess may have little support; an inference is drawn from evidence or reasoning.