infer — to form an opinion or reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to form an opinion or reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈfɝr/
Example Sentences
- When my roommate bought five alarm clocks, I inferred he had trouble waking up.
- Scientists can infer the age of fossils by examining the rock layers.
- From the empty pizza boxes and the guilty look on his face, I could infer what happened to my lunch.
infer
VERB[/ɪnˈfɝr/]
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
The detective inferred that it had rained because everyone's umbrellas were wet.
Detective in fur coat deduces clues from scattered evidence
Clues appeared, she inferred the answer, and everything became clear.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'inferre', composed of 'in-' (in, into) and 'ferre' (to carry, bear). Originally meant to carry in or bring in, later developed the sense of drawing conclusions from evidence.
Breakdown
in- (in, into) + fer (carry, bear) + -r (infinitive ending) = infer (to carry in mentally, to conclude)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When my roommate bought five alarm clocks, I inferred he had trouble waking up.”
“Scientists can infer the age of fossils by examining the rock layers.”
“From the empty pizza boxes and the guilty look on his face, I could infer what happened to my lunch.”
“Students must infer the author's main argument from the given passages.”
📚Related Words
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