1.
[syn: inference, illation]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Inference \In"fer*ence\, n. [From Infer.]
[1913 Webster]
1. The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction.
[1913 Webster]
Though it may chance to be right in the conclusions,
it is yet unjust and mistaken in the method of
inference. --Glanvill.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which inferred; a truth or proposition drawn from
another which is admitted or supposed to be true; a
conclusion; a deduction. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
These inferences, or conclusions, are the effects of
reasoning, and the three propositions, taken all
together, are called syllogism, or argument. --I.
Watts.
Syn: Conclusion; deduction; consequence.
Usage: Inference, Conclusion. An inference is literally
that which is brought in; and hence, a deduction or
induction from premises, -- something which follows as
certainly or probably true. A conclusion is stronger
than an inference; it shuts us up to the result, and
terminates inquiry. We infer what is particular or
probable; we conclude what is certain. In a chain of
reasoning we have many inferences, which lead to the
ultimate conclusion. "An inference is a proposition
which is perceived to be true, because of its
connection with some known fact." "When something is
simply affirmed to be true, it is called a
proposition; after it has been found to be true by
several reasons or arguments, it is called a
conclusion." --I. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
inference
n 1: the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a
logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence
and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct
observation [syn: inference, illation]
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:
76 Moby Thesaurus words for "inference":
Baconian method, a fortiori reasoning, a posteriori reasoning,
a priori reasoning, allegory, allusion, analysis, arcane meaning,
assumption, axiom, coloration, conclusion, conjecture, connotation,
consequence, consequent, corollary, deduction, deductive reasoning,
derivation, epagoge, generalization, guess, guessing, guesswork,
hint, hypothesis, hypothesis and verification, illation,
implication, implied meaning, import, induction,
inductive reasoning, innuendo, intimation, ironic suggestion,
judgment, meaning, metaphorical sense, nuance, occult meaning,
overtone, particularization, philosophical induction, postulate,
postulation, postulatum, premise, presumption, presupposal,
presupposition, proposition, ratiocination, reckoning, sequitur,
set of postulates, subsense, subsidiary sense, suggestion,
supposal, supposing, supposition, surmise, syllogism,
syllogistic reasoning, symbolism, synthesis, thesis, tinge, touch,
undercurrent, undermeaning, understanding, undertone,
working hypothesis
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
inference
The logical process by which new facts are derived
from known facts by the application of inference rules.
See also symbolic inference, type inference.
(1995-03-20)
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):
INFERENCE. A conclusion drawn by reason from premises established by proof.
2. It is the province of the judge who is to decide upon the facts to
draw the inference. When the facts are submitted to the court, the judges
draw the inference; when they are to be ascertained by a jury, it is their
duty to do so. The witness is not permitted as a general rule to draw an
inference, and testify that to the court or jury. It is his duty to state
the facts simply as they occurred. Inferences differ from presumptions.
(q.v.)