Meaning & use
inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning rather than direct statement.
See it in a sentence
From the muddy footprints, the detective drew the inference that someone had entered through the garden.
The teacher asked students to make an inference about the character's feelings from his actions.
A note on using this word
Inference describes a conclusion the reader or listener draws themselves, as opposed to something the text or speaker states directly and explicitly.
Words with a similar meaning
deductionconclusion
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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