Word
infer
To infer means to form a conclusion from evidence or clues rather than from a direct statement.
Meanings
To form an opinion or conclusion based on evidence or clues.
To understand an implied meaning that is not stated directly.
Definition
To infer is to figure out what is probably true by using facts, details, or hints. You infer when the information is not said clearly, but you can reach a reasonable conclusion. In reading and conversation, it often means “read between the lines.”
Examples
- From her tone, I infer that she is upset.
- We can infer the answer from the data.
- It’s easy to infer what happened after seeing the mess.
- Readers infer meaning from context clues in the story.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse infer (reach a conclusion) with imply (suggest indirectly).
More at B2 level
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- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.