Refine this word faster
Infer
Definitions
- 1 To introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence. transitive
"It is dangerous to infer too much from martial bluster in British politics: at the first hint of trouble, channelling Churchill is a default tactic for beleaguered leaders of all sorts."
- 2 believe to be the case wordnet
- 3 To lead to (something) as a consequence; to imply. often, proscribed, transitive
"a. 1535, Thomas More, letter to Fryth the fyrste parte is not the proofe of the second. but rather contrarywyse the seconde inferreth well yͤ fyrst."
- 4 guess correctly; solve by guessing wordnet
- 5 To cause, inflict (something) upon or to someone. obsolete
"faire Serena[…]fled fast away, afeard / Of villany to be to her inferd[…]."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 reason by deduction; establish by deduction wordnet
- 7 To introduce (a subject) in speaking, writing etc.; to bring in, to adduce. obsolete
"Full well hath Clifford played the orator, / Inferring arguments of mighty force."
- 8 conclude by reasoning; in logic wordnet
- 9 draw from specific cases for more general cases wordnet
Etymology
From Latin inferō, from Latin in- (“in, at, on; into”) + Latin ferō (“bear, carry; suffer”) (cognate to Old English beran, whence English bear), from Proto-Italic *ferō, from Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (“to bear, carry”), from the root *bʰer-. Literally “carry forward”, equivalent to “bear in”, as in concluding from a premise. Doublet of inbear.
See also for "infer"
Next best steps
Mini challenge
Unscramble this word: infer