Meaning & use
inferred
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“inferred” is a form of “infer”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbtransitive
Concluded something from evidence, clues, or reasoning rather than from a direct statement.
Grammar: Takes an object and is often followed by from; a speaker implies, while a listener infers.
Patterns
- infer something from something
- be inferred from something
- infer that something is true
From her silence, we inferred that the plan had failed.
The cause of death was inferred from the laboratory results.
He inferred that they were leaving because the lights went out.
Word forms
| base form | infer |
|---|---|
| third person singular | infers |
| past tense | inferred |
| past participle | inferred |
| -ing form | inferring |
Common combinations
- infer from evidence
- Scientists infer from evidence, not from preference.
- be inferred from results
- A pattern can be inferred from results after many trials.
- infer a conclusion
- Readers infer a conclusion before the final chapter.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- inference noun
- A conclusion reached through reasoning from evidence.
- inferential adjective
- Based on inference rather than direct proof.
Commonly confused: inferred or implied?
inferred vs implied
Implied is what a speaker or writer suggests indirectly; inferred is what a listener or reader concludes.
Practice
Complete the sentence correctly: “From the empty chair, she ___ that he had already left.”
Choose one answer.
The empty chair is evidence she uses to reach a conclusion, so inferred fits. Implied would mean she herself hinted something.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inferred”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.