inference

views updated Jun 27 2018

in·fer·ence / ˈinf(ə)rəns/ • n. a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. ∎  the process of reaching such a conclusion: his emphasis on order and health, and by inference cleanliness.DERIVATIVES: in·fer·en·tial / ˌinfəˈrenchəl/ adj.in·fer·en·tial·ly / ˌinfəˈrenchəlē/ adv.

inference

views updated Jun 27 2018

inference A rule or process that derives a new fact from a given set of facts. There are three main methods: deduction, abduction, and induction. Examples of these styles of inference can be seen in theorem proving, expert systems, and machine learning, respectively.

Inference

views updated May 18 2018

INFERENCE

In the law of evidence, a truth or proposition drawn from another that is supposed or admitted to be true. A process of reasoning by which a fact or proposition sought to be established is deduced as a logical consequence from other facts, or a stateof facts, already proved or admitted. A logical and reasonable conclusion of a fact not presented by direct evidence but which, by process of logic and reason, a trier of fact may conclude exists from the established facts. Inferences are deductions or conclusions that with reason and common sense lead the jury to draw from facts which have been established by the evidence in the case.