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

As conversations tend to be multi-threaded, these systems might not protect against information leakage through inference or maintain conversation coherence. —Vinay Goel, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Only one reasonable inference can be drawn from the evidence: genocidal intent has been part and parcel of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

The old ones are eternal, about performance and efficiency and inference cost. —David Pierce, The Verge, 11 Dec. 2024

But as some computer scientists report diminishing returns from that practice, companies are now turning to a different strategy: increasing the time AIs spend running instead—in the inference phase, rather than the training phase. —Billy Perrigo, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024

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