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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


infer

verb

Definition: 1. to conclude something based on information given; 2. to believe something to be true; 3. to draw a conclusion based on reason

Synonyms: interpret, guess, surmise, ascertain, assume, deduce, construe, hypothesize, reason

Antonyms: imply, misinterpret, misunderstand

Tips: Infer is often confused with "imply." A good way to distinguish the difference is to remember that "imply" is an activity only the sender of a message can perform. Only the receiver of a message can infer meaning from it: "If what you are implying is true, then I would infer that we don't have a lot of time." The related noun inference is the act of inferring or the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion.

Usage Examples:

He implied that I was inept, or at least that's what I inferred from his message. (assumed, interpreted)

Because he was yawning and checking his watch, I inferred that he wanted to leave the party early. (surmised, guessed)

I hope you didn't infer that I'm upset with you when I implied that I couldn’t talk right now; I'm just very busy, that's all. (surmise, interpret)

I would infer that Kelly won't make it to the party, based on the fact that she's been sick all week. (reason, assume)


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