Infer — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈfər/ in·fer

Meaning & Definition of Infer

Infer (verb)

  1. to reach as a conclusion based on facts or premises —often used with from or that
  2. guess, surmise
  3. to involve as a normal outcome of thought

Infer (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information

    "he inferred that she had left because her coat was gone"

    similar: conclude, decide, deduce, derive, extrapolate, gather, judge, make out, reason, understand, draw a conclusion
    related: assume, suppose, conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise, construe, interpret, read, contemplate, philosophize, rationalize, think, ascertain, dope (out), find out

  2. to convey an idea indirectly

    "the results infer that there might be a problem with one piece of the equipment"

    similar: allude, hint, imply, indicate, insinuate, intimate, suggest
    related: advert, mention, point, refer, signal, signalize, signify, smack (of), smell (of)
    near: announce, declare, proclaim, elucidate, explain, spell out, delineate, describe

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Infer

The most common words with a similar meaning to Infer:

conclude, decide, deduce, derive, extrapolate, gather, judge, make out, reason, understand, allude, hint, imply, indicate, insinuate, intimate, suggest, draw a conclusion

Related Words for Infer

assume, suppose, conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise, construe, interpret, read, contemplate, philosophize, rationalize, think, ascertain, dope (out), find out, advert, mention, point, refer, signal, signalize, signify, smack (of), smell (of)

Near Antonyms of Infer

announce, declare, proclaim, elucidate, explain, spell out, delineate, describe

Word Forms of Infer

Inflections: inferred, inferring

Derived words: inferable (adjective), inferrer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Infer

Middle French or Latin; Middle French inferer, from Latin inferre, literally, to carry or bring into, from in- + ferre to carry bear

First known use: 1529t

Frequently Asked Questions about Infer

What does "Infer" mean?

"Infer" means to reach as a conclusion based on facts or premises —often used with from or that. As a verb, it is defined as: to reach as a conclusion based on facts or premises —often used with from or that. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Infer"?

Other words for "Infer" include conclude, decide, deduce, derive, extrapolate, gather, judge and make out. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Infer" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Infer"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Infer". Common alternatives include conclude, decide, deduce, derive, extrapolate, gather, judge, make out, reason and understand.

How do you use "Infer" in a sentence?

Examples of "Infer" in a sentence: "he inferred that she had left because her coat was gone"; "the results infer that there might be a problem with one piece of the equipment".

Is "Infer" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Infer" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Infer"?

"Infer" is pronounced /in-ˈfər/ and divided into syllables as in·fer.

What is the origin of the word "Infer"?

"Infer" comes from Middle French or Latin; Middle French inferer, from Latin inferre, literally, to carry or bring into, from in- + ferre to carry bear. First known use: 1529t.

What is another word for "Infer" meaning "to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information"?

When "Infer" (verb) means to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information, synonyms include conclude, decide, deduce, derive, extrapolate and gather.