inference

noun

in·​fer·​ence ˈin-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

-fərn(t)s

1

: something that is inferred

especially : a conclusion or opinion that is formed because of known facts or evidence

2

: the act or process of inferring (see infer): such as

a

: the act of passing from one proposition, statement, or judgment considered as true to another whose truth is believed to follow from that of the former

b

: the act of passing from statistical sample data to generalizations (as of the value of population parameters) usually with calculated degrees of certainty

3

: the premises and conclusion of a process of inferring

Synonyms

• conclusion
• consequence
• deduction
• determination
• eduction
• induction
• sequitur

Examples of inference in a Sentence

In spite of the fact that there are virtually no controlled clinical trials examining the effects of obesity in people, we can make some inferences from animal research. —Patrick Johnson, Skeptical Inquirer, September/October 2005

We cannot see a past event directly, but science is usually based on inference, not unvarnished observation (you don't see electrons, gravity, or black holes either). —Stephen Jay Gould, Wonderful Life, 1989

The writer of science fiction extends or projects or draws inferences from what is known and accepted. —Karl Kroeber, Romantic Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1988

Its existence is only known by inference.

The program uses records of past purchases to make inferences about what customers will buy in the future.

What inference can we draw from these facts?

Recent Examples on the Web

To successfully argue a Voting Rights Act claim, Stephanopoulos said, a plaintiff would need to compare precinct-specific demographic data with the results of an ecological inference study, which estimates voting behaviors based on aggregate-level election data. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025

Intel’s Core Ultra processors with neural processing capabilities support local AI inference, bridging on-device intelligence with cloud resources. —Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

But this is learned only by inference, while everything else is frayed loose ends. —Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 21 May 2025

The inference of the joint venture was clear; if FIFA continued to pursue proposals that Europe and South America did not think was in their interests, then those confederations would work independently to achieve their own objectives. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see infer

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

inference

noun

in·​fer·​ence ˈin-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

1

: the act or process of inferring

2

: something inferred

Legal Definition

inference

noun

in·​fer·​ence ˈin-fə-rəns 

1

: the act or process of inferring

specifically : the act of passing from one proposition, statement, or judgment considered as true to another whose truth is believed to follow logically from that of the former

2

: something inferred

especially : a proposition arrived at by inference see also permissive presumption at presumption

3

: the premises and conclusions of a process of inferring