What does inference mean?
An inference is a conclusion reached by reasoning from evidence, observations, or established premises. In its most common sense, it refers both to the act of drawing that conclusion and to the result: a reader may make an inference from a writer’s tone, while a detective may form an inference from physical evidence. The word is especially common in academic, legal, scientific, and analytical contexts because it emphasizes the reasoning behind a conclusion rather than presenting the conclusion as an established fact. An inference is not the same as an implication: an inference is actively produced through reasoning, while an implication more often describes something that follows from a statement or circumstance. Because an inference can be stronger or weaker depending on the quality of its supporting evidence, careful writers often qualify it with terms such as “reasonable,” “logical,” or “tentative.” The term is useful when discussing interpretation, evidence, and the movement from known facts to probable conclusions.
nounThe process of forming a conclusion from evidence, reasoning, or premises. Also, the conclusion reached by this process.
- The process of reaching a conclusion from evidence, reasoning, or premises.
- A conclusion or idea reached by reasoning from known facts or assumptions.
"The inference was reasonable, but the investigators had no direct evidence that it was true."
"From the fragments of glass near the gate, the detective made a reasonable inference about how the accident occurred."
"The report is careful to distinguish direct evidence from inference."
The plural is used for individual conclusions reached through reasoning.
"The researchers drew several inferences from the experimental results."
An inference is the mind’s leap from what is known to what is strongly suggested—but evidence is what keeps that leap from becoming wishful thinking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inference come from?
The word entered English in the late Middle English period through Old French, from Latin inferentia, a noun meaning “a bringing in” or “an inference.” Latin inferentia was derived from inferere, “to carry in,” formed from in- and ferre, “to carry.” The modern sense developed as the verb infer came to mean “to deduce or conclude,” so an inference is, etymologically, something brought in to a mind through reasoning.
Related word forms
How inference is actually used
The word is formal and common in academic, legal, scientific, and analytical writing. In everyday speech, “conclusion” or “assumption” may sound more natural. An inference need not be certain, but it should be supported by evidence or reasoning.
Easily confused with inference
An inference is a conclusion actively drawn from evidence or reasoning, whereas an implication is often a consequence or meaning that follows from a statement or situation.