infer
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈfɜːr/
KK: /ɪnˈfɜr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To reach a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning rather than from explicit statements.
Example
From the clues left behind, we can infer what happened during the event.
Tense Forms
Past: inferred
Past Participle: inferred
Conversation
I think I can infer what he meant by that comment.
Really? What do you think he was trying to say?
Well, it seemed like he was hinting at something more serious.
That makes sense; sometimes you have to infer things from the context.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
deduce
conclude
gather
Antonyms
misinterpret
overlook
ignore
transitive verb
Definition
To reach a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning rather than from explicit statements.
Example
From the data collected, we can infer that the experiment was successful.
Tense Forms
Past: inferred
Past Participle: inferred
Conversation
I think we can infer that she's not coming to the party tonight.
Yeah, she hasn't replied to any of my messages either.
It's a bit strange, right? I wonder if something happened.
Root Explanation
Infer is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "ferre" (meaning to carry). The word describes the act of carrying an idea into one's understanding, or deducing a conclusion from evidence.
Memory Tip
Think of 'carrying' an idea 'into' your understanding — that's how you infer something.
Visually Confused Words
reinfer
infuser
coinfer
winer
viner
piner
miner
liner