infer
- To reach a conclusion or opinion from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.
In a sentence
- From the muddy boots by the door, she inferred that he had already gone for a walk.
- We can infer from the data that sales peak sharply in the holiday quarter.
Usage note. The classic distinction: a speaker 'implies' something (hints at it), while a listener 'infers' it (draws a conclusion); confusing the two is a common error in formal writing.
Where it comes from
English infer · entered English 16th c.
From Latin 'inferre' (to bring in, carry forward, or conclude), composed of 'in-' (into) and 'ferre' (to carry or bear). The word entered English in the 16th century.