Infer

 Infer means to deduce or conclude something from evidence and reasoning.

Here's how to use it in English:

• "I inferred from her tone of voice that she was angry."

  • This means you deduced that she was angry based on how she spoke.

• "Scientists can infer the age of a fossil by examining its characteristics."

  • This shows how scientists use evidence (fossil characteristics) to draw a conclusion (the fossil's age).

• "From the scattered papers and overturned chair, I inferred that there had been a struggle."

  • This demonstrates how you can use observations (physical evidence) to infer a past event.

Key points:

• Inference is an active process: It requires you to use your own reasoning and interpretation of information.
• It's not the same as implying:
  • Imply means to suggest something indirectly.
  • Infer means to draw a conclusion from something that is suggested.

Example:

• "Her silence implied disapproval." (She suggested disapproval without directly saying it.)
• "I inferred from her silence that she disapproved." (I concluded that she disapproved based on her silence.)

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.