Search Result for "inference": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (1)

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]


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.)