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8 dictionary results for: inference
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
in·fer·ence       [in-fer-uhns, -fruhns] Pronunciation Key
–noun
1.the act or process of inferring.
2.something that is inferred: to make rash inferences.
3.Logic.
a.the process of deriving the strict logical consequences of assumed premises.
b.the process of arriving at some conclusion that, though it is not logically derivable from the assumed premises, possesses some degree of probability relative to the premises.
c.a proposition reached by a process of inference.
[Origin: 1585–95; < ML inferentia. See infer, -ence]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
in·fer·ence       (ĭn'fər-əns)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
    1. The act or process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true.
    2. The act of reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence.
    3. Something inferred.
    4. Usage Problem A hint or suggestion: The editorial contained an inference of foul play in the awarding of the contract. See Usage Note at infer.
    1. Something inferred.
    2. Usage Problem A hint or suggestion: The editorial contained an inference of foul play in the awarding of the contract. See Usage Note at infer.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
inference

noun
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 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source - Share This

inference

see draw an inference.


The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition - Cite This Source - Share This
inference

In logic, the deriving of one idea from another. Inference can proceed through either induction or deduction.


The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: in·fer·ence
Pronunciation: 'in-f&-r&ns
Function: noun
1 : the act or process of inferring; specifically : the act of passing from one proposition, statement, or judgment considered as true to another whose truth is believed to follow logically from that of the former
2 : something inferred; especially : a proposition arrived at by inference —see also permissive presumption at PRESUMPTION
3 : the premises and conclusions of a process of inferring

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Free On-line Dictionary of Computing - Cite This Source - Share This

inference logic
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)

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, © 1993-2007 Denis Howe
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Inference

In"fer*ence\, n. [From Infer.]

1. The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction.

Though it may chance to be right in the conclusions, it is yet unjust and mistaken in the method of inference. --Glanvill.

2. That which inferred; a truth or proposition drawn from another which is admitted or supposed to be true; a conclusion; a deduction. --Milton.

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.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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