infer

verb

Etymology: From Latin inferō, from Latin in- (“in, at, on; into”) + Latin ferō (“bear, carry; suffer”) (cognate to Old English beran, whence English bear), from Proto-Italic *ferō, from Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (“to bear, carry”), from the root *bʰer-. Literally “carry forward”, equivalent to “bear in”, as in concluding from a premise. Doublet of inbear.

1. To introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence.

   “It is dangerous to infer too much from martial bluster in British politics: at the first hint of trouble, channelling Churchill is a default tactic for beleaguered leaders of all sorts.”

2. To lead to (something) as a consequence; to imply.

   “a. 1535, Thomas More, letter to Fryth the fyrste parte is not the proofe of the second. but rather contrarywyse the seconde inferreth well yͤ fyrst.”

   “This doth infer the zeal I had to see him.”

3. To cause, inflict (something) upon or to someone.

   “faire Serena[…]fled fast away, afeard / Of villany to be to her inferd[…].”

4. To introduce (a subject) in speaking, writing etc.; to bring in, to adduce.

   “Full well hath Clifford played the orator, / Inferring arguments of mighty force.”