Inference (Noun)
Meaning
The reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The detective made an inference about the suspect's guilt based on the suspicious behavior and eyewitness accounts.
- From the child's messy room and the scattered toys, it was easy to make an inference about their recent activities.
- The inference that the company was struggling financially was drawn from the recent layoffs and reduced spending.
- Her inference about the person's character was based on their body language and tone of voice during the conversation.
- The scientist made an inference about the effects of climate change on the local ecosystem based on the data collected over several years.