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. -- 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.
This site was used  times.
|
Hear it pronounced