Inference Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inference
[ˈɪnf(ə)rəns ]
Definitions
logical reasoning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. Inference involves drawing a logical conclusion from the available information.
Synonyms
assumption, conclusion, deduction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inference |
Used when you derive a logical conclusion from available evidence or facts.
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| deduction |
Used when you derive a specific conclusion from general principles or known facts.
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| conclusion |
Used when you reach a final decision or judgment after considering evidence or arguments.
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| assumption |
Used when you accept something as true without proof, often as a starting point for further investigation.
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Examples of usage
- In science, making inferences is a crucial part of the research process.
- Her inference that he was guilty turned out to be correct.
literature
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning, especially in literary analysis. In literature, inference is often used to interpret the deeper meaning of a text.
Synonyms
conclusion, deduction, interpretation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inference |
Used when you are drawing a logical conclusion based on available evidence and reasoning.
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| interpretation |
Used when you are explaining the meaning of something, often in a subjective or individual way.
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| conclusion |
Used when you are discussing the final part of something, especially the result after considering the facts.
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| deduction |
Used when you are deriving information by reasoning from general principles to specific instances.
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Examples of usage
- The reader's inference about the character's motives added a new layer of understanding to the story.
- Inference is a key skill in analyzing poetry.
machine learning
A process where a machine learns to make predictions or decisions based on data. Inference is a key component of machine learning algorithms.
Synonyms
decision-making, interpretation, prediction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inference |
Used when concluding something based on evidence and reasoning. Often utilized in academic, scientific, or detective contexts.
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| prediction |
Refers to the act of forecasting what will happen in the future based on current information or trends. Common in meteorology, finance, and technology.
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| decision-making |
Refers to the process of making a choice or finding a solution. Commonly used in business, management, and personal contexts.
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| interpretation |
Used when explaining the meaning of something or understanding it in a particular way. Often related to art, law, or literature.
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Examples of usage
- During the training phase, the machine learns patterns in the data to make accurate inferences later on.
- Real-time inference allows the machine to make decisions quickly based on incoming data.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Inference is a key part of the cognitive process where the brain fills in gaps using prior knowledge to make sense of new information.
- Research shows that people often make inferences subconsciously, affecting their decision-making.
- The ability to make accurate inferences can enhance problem-solving skills, making it fundamental to learning.
Education
- In classrooms, developing inference skills helps students become critical thinkers, essential for interpreting texts and real-life situations.
- Teachers often use inference-focused exercises to strengthen reading comprehension.
- The practice of asking questions that require inference promotes deeper discussions among students.
Literature
- Authors often use inference to engage readers, requiring them to read between the lines and deduce meanings beyond the text.
- Famous literary works often contain subtext, which relies heavily on the reader's ability to make inferences.
- Inference can reveal character motives and themes that are not explicitly stated.
Pop Culture
- In movies, directors frequently use inference to create suspense, allowing audiences to piece together plot details without showing everything on screen.
- Reality TV relies on audience inference regarding relationships and events based on limited information.
- Popular detective shows are designed around characters making inferences to solve mysteries, capturing viewer engagement.
Origin of 'inference'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'inferre', meaning 'to bring in' or 'to carry over', referring to carrying over information from one idea to another.
- In the mid-16th century, the term was used in English to describe reasoning processes.
- The evolution of the word highlights how knowledge transfer has always been a part of human communication.
The word 'inference' has its roots in the Latin word 'inferre', which means 'to bring in' or 'to carry forward'. The concept of making inferences has been fundamental in various fields, including logic, literature, and science. Inferences play a crucial role in human cognition and problem-solving, allowing individuals to draw conclusions based on available information and reasoning.
See also: infer, inferable, inferior, infernal, inferno, inferrable, inferred.