inference
n. C / Un. a guess or conclusion you make based on the facts you already have. You use what you see or read to figure out something that is not said directly.
n. the process of reaching a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements. Often involves deriving logical consequences from assumed premises.
The detective made an inference based on the muddy footprints.
Readers must often make an inference about a character's true motives when the author does not state them directly.
The researcher cautioned that while the data showed a strong correlation, drawing a definitive inference about the cause of the disease would require a much larger longitudinal study.
From Latin inferentia. Morphologically infer + -ence.
Often paired with the verbs 'draw', 'make', or 'reach'.
The data implies that... my inference is that...The data implies... my inference is...Learners often confuse 'inference' (the conclusion the listener makes) with 'implication' (the hint the speaker provides).