Inferring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inferring
[ɪnˈfɜːrɪŋ ]
Definition
logical reasoning
Inferring is the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. It involves using existing knowledge and observations to deduce something that is not directly observed. This skill is often used in reading comprehension, scientific investigations, and everyday decision-making. The ability to infer is essential for critical thinking and problem-solving.
Synonyms
concluding, deducing, reasoning.
Examples of usage
- Inferring a character's feelings from their actions.
- Inferring the meaning of a word from context clues.
- Inferring results from experimental data.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Writers often use inferring in storytelling, where readers must deduce hidden meanings behind characters' actions.
- Classic literature encourages deep thinking, letting readers infer themes that aren't explicitly stated.
- In detective novels, clues are scattered, leading readers to infer who the culprit is before it's revealed.
Psychology
- Humans naturally infer from social cues and context, allowing us to read emotions and intentions without direct communication.
- Cognitive biases can affect how we infer information, leading to misunderstandings based on preconceived notions.
- Developmental psychologists note that children learn to infer from a young age, helping them understand complex social interactions.
Science
- In scientific research, inferring is used to draw conclusions from data and experiments, often supporting or refuting hypotheses.
- Inferring patterns from observations is essential in fields like ecology, where scientists predict animal behaviors based on environmental changes.
- Statistical inference allows researchers to make predictions about a larger population based on sample data.
Education
- Teaching students to infer helps improve reading comprehension, making them active participants in the text.
- Classroom discussions often encourage students to infer meanings, engaging critical thinking and analysis.
- Teachers use inferring exercises to develop students' abilities to connect dots across different subjects.
Origin of 'inferring'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'inferre', meaning 'to bring in or carry in.'
- The prefix 'in-' means 'in' and 'ferre' means 'to carry' or 'bring,' referring to carrying or bringing information to a conclusion.
- It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, reflecting a shift towards analytical thinking.
The word 'infer' comes from the Latin 'inferre', which means 'to carry in, bring in'. This term combines 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'ferre' meaning 'to bring'. The evolution of the word through Old French as 'inferred' led to its current usage in English. Dating back to the late Middle Ages, the use of 'infer' was more philosophical in nature, typically associated with Aristotle's works on logic. Over time, the concept expanded to encompass not just formal logic but also common reasoning in daily life and communication. It represents the cognitive ability to extend beyond what is directly stated, making it integral to understanding and interpreting various forms of information.