infer
What does "infer" mean?
To infer means to reach a logical conclusion based on evidence, reasoning, and clues rather than from explicit statements. Imagine you see someone walking inside with a wet umbrella; you didn't see the rain, but you infer that it is raining outside. It is the mental process of "reading between the lines." In academic and professional settings, "infer" is often contrasted with "imply." A speaker or writer implies (suggests indirectly), while the listener or reader infers (draws a conclusion). It is frequently used with the preposition "from," as in "I inferred from her silence that she was unhappy."
"infer" in conversation
Work meeting
The manager didn't give us a direct answer about the budget cuts.
The manager didn't give us a direct answer about the budget cuts.
Well, I inferred from his tone that the project is likely being cancelled.
Well, I inferred from his tone that the project is likely being cancelled.
Shows how to use infer to interpret non-verbal cues.
Reading a mystery novel
Why did the detective focus on the muddy footprints?
Why did the detective focus on the muddy footprints?
He inferred that the intruder must have entered through the garden window.
He inferred that the intruder must have entered through the garden window.
Shows how to use infer in the context of deduction.
"infer" in a sentence
I inferred from his smile that he was happy.
I inferred from his smile that he was happy.
The scientists inferred the existence of the planet from the star's movement.
The scientists inferred the existence of the planet from the star's movement.
One should not infer a causal relationship simply because two events occurred simultaneously.
One should not infer a causal relationship simply because two events occurred simultaneously.
