verbWord forms: -fers, -ferring or -ferred(when tr, may take a clause as object)
1.
to conclude (a state of affairs, supposition, etc) by reasoning from evidence; deduce
2. (transitive)
to have or lead to as a necessary or logical consequence; indicate
3. (transitive)
to hint or imply
▶ USAGE The use of infer to mean imply is becoming more and more common in both speech and writing. There is neverthelessa useful distinction between the two which many people would be in favour of maintaining.To infer means 'to deduce', and is used in the construction to infer something from something: I inferred from what she said that she had not been well. To imply (sense 1) means 'to suggest, to insinuate' and is normally followed by a clause:are you implying that I was responsible for the mistake?
Derived forms
inferable (inˈferable) or inferible (inˈferible) or inferrable (inˈferrable) or inferrible (inˈferrible)
adjective
inferably (inˈferably)
adverb
inferrer (inˈferrer)
noun
Word origin
C16: from Latin inferre to bring into, from ferre to bear, carry
Examples of 'inferred' in a sentence
inferred
His own nature could be inferred from the nature of his work.
Stewart, Michael COMPULSION (2003)
`Strange how I never inferred from their writing that these journalists would be well-spoken.
Anita Anderson SUMMER OF SECRETS (2003)
It looks at cholesterol, from which the effect of eggs has been inferred.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Inferred resources have increased 138 per cent from earlier estimates to 14.3 million ounces.
Globe and Mail (2003)
The requirement would be met if it could be inferred.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Of course, textiles can also be inferred from tools associated with the craft.
The Times Literary Supplement (2018)
How much can be inferred from a good showing in the traditional warm-up tournament?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
If the mistakes weren't his then they must have been the military's, he inferred.
The Sun (2010)
Such powers were not to be lightly inferred.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
What happened next was easily inferred from the trails of blood in the room.