inference
IHN-fuh-ruhns
Inference (noun) means a conclusion reached by reasoning from evidence rather than being told directly. Example: “It was a reasonable inference that the delay was caused by the strike.”
noun
1
A conclusion reached by reasoning from evidence rather than being told directly.
"It was a reasonable inference that the delay was caused by the strike."
"Good detectives are skilled at drawing inferences from small details."
2
In computing, the output a trained AI model produces when applying what it learned to new data.
"The chip is optimised for fast inference rather than training models."
How to use inference
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA conclusion you draw from evidence, or (in tech) the answer an AI model gives once it's been trained.
Common pairings
draw an inference
a reasonable inference
model inference
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Word forms
- Plural
- inferences
Fill the gap
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It was a reasonable _____ that the delay was caused by the strike.
Etymology
From Latin inferentia, from infer + -ence.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inference
See all rhymes for inference →Frequently asked questions
What does “inference” mean?
The word “inference” means a conclusion reached by reasoning from evidence rather than being told directly. In plain terms, a conclusion you draw from evidence, or (in tech) the answer an AI model gives once it's been trained.
How do you pronounce “inference”?
“Inference” is pronounced IHN-fuh-ruhns (/ˈɪn.fɚ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “inference” in a sentence?
Here is “inference” used in a sentence: “It was a reasonable inference that the delay was caused by the strike.”
What part of speech is “inference”?
“Inference” is a noun.
Where does the word “inference” come from?
The word “inference” comes from Latin. From Latin inferentia, from infer + -ence.
Is “inference” a common word?
“Inference” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “inference” have?
“Inference” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a conclusion reached by reasoning from evidence rather than being told directly.
