infer
To deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
Examples
In a meeting
“From the budget cuts, we can infer that expansion plans are on hold.”
Over coffee
“I inferred from her tone that she wasn't happy about the change.”
Why this word
conclude
infer means deriving meaning from evidence or hints, while conclude means reaching a final judgment after reasoning
deduce
infer involves drawing probable conclusions from incomplete evidence, while deduce implies logical reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions
guess
infer involves reasoning based on available evidence, while guess suggests speculation without solid basis
Usage tip
Use when drawing conclusions from indirect evidence. Note: you infer (receive); someone else implies (sends).
Etymology
Latin 'inferre' (in- 'into' + ferre 'bring, carry')
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Related words
diagnose
To identify the cause or nature of a problem through examination.
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
assumption
Something accepted as true without proof
extrapolate
Extend known information to predict unknown outcomes
distinguish
To recognize or identify the difference between things
unpack
To analyze and explain something complex in detail