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infer

infer

Transitive Verb

past: inferredpp: inferreding: inferring

This term describes the cognitive process of filling in gaps where information is missing. It focuses on the logical leap a listener or reader makes to reach a conclusion based on indirect clues. It is frequently contrasted with imply; while a speaker implies a meaning, the listener is the one who infers it.

In professional or academic settings, the word carries a connotation of analytical rigor. It suggests a systematic approach to evidence rather than a random guess, making it a staple in legal, scientific, and philosophical discourse.

Meanings

Transitive Verbinfer

[~ something from something][~ that something]

To derive a conclusion from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

From the evidence presented, the jury was able to infer that the defendant had a motive for the crime.

Examples

From the evidence at the scene, the detective could infer that the thief had a key.

Detective

I infer from your silence that you do not agree with the proposal.

Business

What can we infer about the character's motivations from this chapter?

School Life

She inferred that he was unhappy based on his tone of voice.

It is reasonable to infer that the company will expand next year.

Business

He looked at the map and inferred that they were heading in the wrong direction.

Travel

I can only infer what happened by looking at the ruins.

History

Maybe I can infer the password from the hints she left behind.

The researchers inferred a correlation between the two variables.

Phrasal Verbs

infer from

to conclude something based on specific evidence or a particular source

She inferred from his silence that he was not happy with the decision.

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error