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Infer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To infer means to deduce or conclude something based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements. It involves interpreting indirect information to form a logical judgment.

infer

/ɪnˈfɝ/ /ɪnˈfɜː/

Definition:

Deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements.

Synonyms:

deduce, conclude, gather, surmise, interpret

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

state, declare, prove

Common Collocations:

infer meaning, infer conclusions, infer intentions, infer relationships

Derivatives:

inference, inferential, inferring

Usage Tips:

Use "infer" when drawing conclusions indirectly; the listener or reader infers what is implied.

Common Phrases:

read between the lines, put two and two together, draw an inference

Etymology:

From Latin "inferre," meaning "to bring in" or "conclude."

Examples:

  • 1. She could infer from his tone that he was upset.
  • 2. The data allows us to infer a trend in consumer behavior.
  • 3. Don’t infer malice when ignorance could explain the mistake.
  • 4. From the clues, the detective inferred the suspect’s identity.
  • 5. His silence led me to infer he disagreed with the plan.

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