inference
UK[ˈɪnfərəns]US[ˈɪnfərəns]
n
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
n
The process of reaching such a conclusion.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
fer
ence
in
in
fer
carry
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'inference' is built upon the Latin verb inferre, meaning "to bring in, to carry into". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix in- ("into") and ferre ("to carry"). The core logic is one of carrying an idea or conclusion from the premises into one's understanding. Over time, the abstract noun form inferentia evolved, signifying the act or result of drawing a conclusion. In English, adopted via Old French, it retains this precise meaning: the process of carrying reasoning from evidence to a resultant judgment or deduction.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + fer (carry) + ence (noun suffix)
- in: Latin origin, meaning "in, into, on, upon". A prefix indicating direction or location.
- fer: Latin origin, from the verb ferre, meaning "to carry, to bear". This root is the core semantic element.
- ence: Latin origin, a noun-forming suffix (-entia) indicating an action, state, or quality.
Examples
Based on the muddy footprints, we made the inference that someone had entered the house.
Statistical inference allows researchers to draw conclusions about a population from a sample.
His implication was clear, even though it was only an inference from his tone of voice.