Imply and infer are opposites, like a throw and a catch. To imply is to hint at something, but to infer is to make an educated guess. The speaker does the implying, and the listener does the inferring. To imply is to suggest something indirectly.

1 : the act or process of reaching a conclusion about something from known facts. 2 : a conclusion or opinion reached based on known facts. inference.

Synonyms of inference

• conclusion,
• consequence,
• deduction,
• determination,
• eduction,
• induction,
• sequitur.

antonyms of inference

• fact.
• proof.
• reality.
• truth.

Inference: Given a set of data you want to infer how the output is generated as a function of the data. Prediction: Given some information on a Titanic passenger, you want to choose from the set {lives,dies} and be correct as often as possible.

The difference between the two is that imply refers to giving information, while infer refers to receiving information. Imply means to strongly suggest the truth or existence of something that is not expressly stated. The speaker, or someone who is giving information, may imply something.

8 Activities to Build Inference Skills

1. Class Discussion: How We Use Inferences Every Day.
2. Make an Anchor Chart.
3. Use the New York Times What’s Going On in This Picture Feature.
4. Watch Pixar Short Films.
5. Use Picture Task Cards and What is it?
6. Teach With Wordless Books.
7. Making Multiple Inferences from the Same Picture.
8. Thought Bubbles With Text.

Assumption: It is an unstated premise which cannot be logically derived from any existing information. Assumptions are generally given to present some new information. These can also be part of some beliefs. Inference: It is that piece of information which can be logically deducted from the one or more statements.

An inference can be valid even if the parts are false, and can be invalid even if some parts are true. But a valid form with true premises will always have a true conclusion.

Inference: is an interpretation that goes beyond the literal information given. Deduction: is an understanding based on the evidence given in the text.

One of the most reliable ways to find assumptions is to look for shifts in language between the premises and conclusion of an argument. When new stuff appears in the conclusion that wasn’t discussed in the premises, it usually got there by way of an assumption.

Uncovering Assumptions

1. Use reader assumptions to generate suspense.
2. Use assumptions about the story world to hide clues.
3. Use assumptions about genre and characters to create a plot twist.
4. Use assumptions about form to experiment with style and story.
5. Use assumptions about writing and authorship to engage in your story.

Assumptions can be either explicit (directly stated) or implicit (not directly stated but implied). When you identify someone’s assumptions, look for both kinds. An explicit premise in the sample article is the statement that “the stranded were poor, black, disproportionately elderly” (paragraph 5).

The following are common types of assumptions.

• Unrecognized. Assumptions that are made automatically by an individual without realizing it.
• Unstated. Assumptions that go uncommunicated.
• Unquestioned.
• Naive.
• Pragmatic.
• Productive Assumptions.
• Unproductive Assumptions.
• Likely Facts.

A logical assumption is simply an idea that can be inferred, or identified, in a text without the writer stating it in an obvious way. One simple example may be the logical assumption that if you do not turn in your homework, your teacher will be disappointed in you.

15 Common Logical Fallacies

• 1) The Straw Man Fallacy.
• 2) The Bandwagon Fallacy.
• 3) The Appeal to Authority Fallacy.
• 4) The False Dilemma Fallacy.
• 5) The Hasty Generalization Fallacy.
• 6) The Slothful Induction Fallacy.
• 7) The Correlation/Causation Fallacy.
• 8) The Anecdotal Evidence Fallacy.