Word Frequency
infer (ɪnˈfɜː
)
Definitions
verb
-fers, -ferring, -ferred when tr, may take a clause as object- to conclude (a state of affairs, supposition, etc) by reasoning from evidence; deduce
- tr to have or lead to as a necessary or logical consequence; indicate
- tr to hint or imply
Derived Forms
inˈferable, inˈferible, inˈferrable, inˈferrible adjectiveinˈferably adverb
inˈferrer noun
The use of infer to mean imply is becoming more and more common in both speech and writing. There is nevertheless
a useful distinction between the two which many people would be in favour of maintaining.
To infer means `to deduce', and is used in the construction to infer something from something: I inferred from what she said that she had not been well. To imply (sense 1) means `to suggest, to insinuate' and is normally followed by a clause:
are you implying that I was responsible for the mistake?
Word Origin
C16: from Latin inferre to bring into, from ferre to bear, carrySynonyms
View thesaurus entry = deduce, understand, gather, conclude, derive, presume, conjecture, surmise, read between the lines, put two and two together
Example Sentences Including 'inferring'
A technique for inferring how much of a drug a patient has taken may be putting innocent people behind bars.New Scientist (2004)
And I didn't like what he was inferring about Hoffman's state of mind.BETTER THAN THIS (2002)
Are you inferring that this isn't my coat - that I can't wear pink?The Image of Laura
But that did not stop the ABC from inferring Mitsubishi Motors Japan and Mitsubishi Motors Australia faced collapse.The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
Compared with the 46 % increase in EBITDA, group revenue was a third higher at £13.5bn, inferring an improvement in margins.Glasgow Herald (2001)
It is thought that the thickness of the low layer was due to an upper quartz facing collapsing, inferring that the whole mound was covered.A Guide to Megalithic Ireland
Laura's comment about being a seasoned traveller was also annoying, inferring that Sophie was not.The Image of Laura
Paul Daigneault (Feel free to disagree with Robinson, but we think you're inferring "misinformation" that isn't there)Ottawa Sun (2003)
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