inference
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
The process of drawing a conclusion from known facts or evidence; also, the conclusion drawn itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In logic and philosophy, 'inference' refers specifically to the logical connection between premises and conclusion. In everyday and scientific language, it often implies a deduction or educated guess based on partial information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage is identical across varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic and technical writing, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
inference + that-clauseinference + from + NPinference + about + NPmake/draw + an + inferenceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jump to inferences (less common variant of 'jump to conclusions')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in market analysis and forecasting, e.g., 'Our inference from the sales data is that demand is seasonal.'
Academic
Core term in logic, philosophy, statistics, linguistics, and computer science (e.g., machine learning inference).
Everyday
Used when discussing reading between the lines or guessing someone's intentions.
Technical
Critical term in AI/ML (model inference), legal reasoning (inference of guilt), and scientific method.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- One can infer from her tone that she was displeased.
- The study infers a causal link from the correlation.
American English
- From the data, we inferred a positive trend.
- The jury inferred guilt from the defendant's actions.
adverb
British English
- The conclusion was inferentially valid but empirically unproven.
- He argued inferentially rather than from direct evidence.
American English
- She spoke inferentially, hinting at the problem without stating it.
- The model operates inferentially to predict outcomes.
adjective
British English
- The inferential step between the data and the claim was weak.
- This is an inferential statistic, not a descriptive one.
American English
- The report's inferential reasoning was sound.
- They used inferential methods to analyse the survey.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can make an inference from the picture. The boy is happy.
- What inference can you make? It is going to rain.
- The detective made an inference about where the suspect went.
- From his smile, her inference was that he agreed.
- The author's inference that the character was lonely was supported by several details.
- Statistical inference allows us to make predictions about a population based on a sample.
- The philosopher criticised the logical inference from 'is' to 'ought'.
- Bayesian inference provides a powerful framework for updating beliefs in light of new evidence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
INFERENCE: INFormation + REFERence + Conclusion – you refer to information to reach a conclusion.
Conceptual Metaphor
REASONING IS A PATH (drawing a conclusion, following a line of inference), THINKING IS SEEING (making an inference is like seeing what is implied).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'инфраструктура' (infrastructure).
- Closer to 'умозаключение', 'вывод', 'предположение'. 'Инференция' is a direct loanword used only in highly technical contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'inference' interchangeably with 'implication' (an inference is drawn *from* an implication).
- Misspelling as 'inferrence'.
- Using the verb 'infer' incorrectly as a synonym for 'imply'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'inference' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'implication' is something that is suggested indirectly. An 'inference' is the conclusion that a person draws *from* that implication or other evidence.
It is primarily a countable noun (e.g., 'draw an inference', 'several inferences'). It can be uncountable when referring to the process itself (e.g., 'the role of inference in science').
The verb is 'to infer'. It means to reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.
Yes, it is most common in formal, academic, and technical contexts. In everyday conversation, people might use simpler words like 'guess', 'conclusion', or 'deduction'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Abstract Thinking
B2 · 49 words · Words for ideas, reasoning and intellectual concepts.
Critical Thinking
C1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for structured logical reasoning and analysis.
Explore