verb

infer

/ɪnˈfɜːr/ · say it: in·FER

to deduce from evidence

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to form an opinion or conclusion based on evidence or facts you have noticed or heard

2. (verb) to suggest something indirectly without stating it directly

Examples

1. From her smile, I inferred that she was happy about the news.
2. The article infers that pollution is getting worse in the city.

How to use infer

Infer means to draw a logical conclusion based on available evidence or to hint at something without stating it explicitly. It is often used in academic, analytical, or formal contexts when discussing reasoning or interpretation. Note that infer (drawing a conclusion) differs from imply (hinting or suggesting); speakers infer from what others imply.

Common phrases

infer from evidence
infer that
can infer
infer the meaning
reasonably infer

Synonyms

deduce · conclude · gather · surmise · understand

Opposites

state · declare · assert

Word family

inference (noun) · inferential (adjective) · inferably (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse infer with imply; remember that you infer conclusions from evidence, while you imply meaning through indirect suggestion.

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