Inference vs. Conclusion — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 7, 2023
Inference is a logical deduction made based on evidence or reasoning, while a conclusion is the final decision or judgment reached after considering the given information.
Difference Between Inference and Conclusion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An inference involves drawing a logical deduction or assumption from observed facts or information. It acts as an intermediary step in understanding or interpreting information. A conclusion, however, marks the end point of a thought process, where a final decision or judgment is made. It's the culmination of evaluation, reasoning, or discussion.
While inference relies on the process of deducing something that isn't explicitly stated, a conclusion sums up explicitly what has been deduced or determined. For instance, in reading comprehension, readers often make inferences about characters' feelings or motives based on textual clues. However, by the end of the story, readers reach a conclusion about the main idea or theme.
Both inference and conclusion are vital components of the reasoning process. In scientific research, for instance, researchers make inferences based on collected data. These inferences help them understand trends or patterns. But it's only after thorough analysis and consideration of these inferences that researchers arrive at a conclusion or finding.
In day-to-day decision making, we often make inferences from observations, like deducing it might rain because of dark clouds. The conclusion, however, would be the decision to carry an umbrella. Both processes are interlinked, with inference being a stepping stone to reaching a conclusion.
It's worth noting that while every conclusion might be based on some inferences, not every inference leads to a conclusion. An inference could simply be a step in understanding, while a conclusion signifies a finality in thought or decision.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Logical deduction based on evidence or reasoning.
Final decision or judgment reached after consideration.
Process
Intermediate step in understanding.
Culmination or end point of a thought process.
Relation to Information
Derived from what isn't explicitly stated.
Sums up what has been deduced or determined.
Role in Reasoning
Helps in understanding or interpreting information.
Signifies finality in thought or decision.
Dependency
Can exist without leading to a conclusion.
Typically based on preceding inferences or judgments.
Compare with Definitions
Inference
A conclusion drawn from premises or evidence.
The detective's inference was based on the sequence of events.
Conclusion
The end or finish of an occurrence or process.
The conclusion of the seminar was marked by a standing ovation.
Inference
A deduction made from evidence or clues.
From the muddy footprints, her inference was that someone had been in the garden.
Conclusion
The final judgment or decision reached after deliberation.
After analyzing the evidence, his conclusion was undeniable.
Inference
An assumption drawn from observed facts.
His silence was an inference of agreement.
Conclusion
The close or last part; the end or finish
The conclusion of the festivities.
Inference
The act or process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true.
Conclusion
The result or outcome of an act or process
What was the conclusion of all these efforts?.
Inference
The act of reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence.
Conclusion
A judgment or decision reached after deliberation.
Inference
Something inferred.
Conclusion
A final arrangement or settlement, as of a treaty.
Inference
Usage Problem A hint or suggestion
The editorial contained an inference of foul play in the awarding of the contract. See Usage Note at infer.
Conclusion
(Law) The formal closing of a legal complaint or pleading.
Inference
(uncountable) The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction.
Conclusion
A proposition that follows from the premises of a formal proof, for instance from the major and minor premises of a syllogism.
Inference
(countable) That which is inferred; a truth or proposition drawn from another which is admitted or supposed to be true; a conclusion; a deduction.
Conclusion
The proposition concluded from one or more premises; a deduction.
Inference
The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction.
Though it may chance to be right in the conclusions, it is yet unjust and mistaken in the method of inference.
Conclusion
The end, finish, close or last part of something.
Inference
That which inferred; a truth or proposition drawn from another which is admitted or supposed to be true; a conclusion; a deduction.
These inferences, or conclusions, are the effects of reasoning, and the three propositions, taken all together, are called syllogism, or argument.
Conclusion
The outcome or result of a process or act.
Inference
The reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation
Conclusion
A decision reached after careful thought.
The board has come to the conclusion that the proposed takeover would not be in the interest of our shareholders.
Inference
An educated guess based on the given data.
Her inference about the market trend was based on recent sales data.
Conclusion
(logic) In an argument or syllogism, the proposition that follows as a necessary consequence of the premises.
Inference
The act of deriving logical conclusions from premises.
His inference skills were commendable, often leading to breakthroughs in cases.
Conclusion
(obsolete) An experiment, or something from which a conclusion may be drawn.
Conclusion
(law) The end or close of a pleading, for example, the formal ending of an indictment, "against the peace", etc.
Conclusion
(law) An estoppel or bar by which a person is held to a particular position.
Conclusion
The last part of anything; close; termination; end.
A fluorish of trumpets announced the conclusion of the contest.
Conclusion
Final decision; determination; result.
And the conclusion is, she shall be thine.
Conclusion
Any inference or result of reasoning.
Conclusion
The inferred proposition of a syllogism; the necessary consequence of the conditions asserted in two related propositions called premises. See Syllogism.
He granted him both the major and minor, but denied him the conclusion.
Conclusion
Drawing of inferences.
Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyesAnd still conclusion.
Conclusion
An experiment, or something from which a conclusion may be drawn.
We practice likewise all conclusions of grafting and inoculating.
Conclusion
The end or close of a pleading, e.g., the formal ending of an indictment, "against the peace," etc.
Like the famous ape,To try conclusions, in the basket creep.
Conclusion
A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration;
A decision unfavorable to the opposition
His conclusion took the evidence into account
Satisfied with the panel's determination
Conclusion
An intuitive assumption;
Jump to a conclusion
Conclusion
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Conclusion
Event whose occurrence ends something;
His death marked the ending of an era
When these final episodes are broadcast it will be the finish of the show
Conclusion
The proposition arrived at by logical reasoning (such as the proposition that must follow from the major and minor premises of a syllogism)
Conclusion
The act of ending something;
The termination of the agreement
Conclusion
A final settlement;
The conclusion of a business deal
The conclusion of the peace treaty
Conclusion
The last section of a communication;
In conclusion I want to say...
Conclusion
The act of making up your mind about something;
The burden of decision was his
He drew his conclusions quickly
Conclusion
A summary of what has been discussed or decided.
He provided a brief conclusion at the end of his presentation.
Conclusion
An opinion formed after considering relevant facts or evidence.
Her conclusion about the novel's theme was based on its recurring motifs.
Common Curiosities
Is inference specific to a particular field of study?
No, inferences can be made in any domain, from daily observations to scientific research.
Can inferences change with new evidence?
Yes, new or additional evidence can lead to revised inferences.
Do conclusions always follow inferences?
While conclusions typically follow inferences, not every inference necessarily leads to a conclusion.
How is a conclusion different from a summary?
A conclusion is a final judgment, while a summary is a brief account of main points.
Is a conclusion the same as a result?
While similar, a conclusion is a judgment or decision, while a result is an outcome or effect.
Is an inference always based on evidence?
Yes, inference is typically a logical deduction based on evidence or reasoning.
Can a conclusion be tentative?
While conclusions signify finality, they can be revisited or revised based on new information.
Are inferences always accurate?
No, inferences are educated guesses and can sometimes be incorrect.
Can a single set of data lead to multiple conclusions?
Yes, depending on interpretation, one can arrive at different conclusions from the same data.
Can an inference be a fact?
An inference is a deduction or assumption, and while it can be based on facts, it isn't a fact in itself.
Do all arguments lead to a conclusion?
Ideally, arguments should lead to a conclusion, but some may remain unresolved.
Can there be multiple inferences from a single piece of information?
Yes, different individuals can make different inferences based on their perspectives.
Are inferences subjective?
While based on evidence, inferences can have elements of subjectivity due to individual interpretation.
Is a conclusion the same as an opinion?
While both involve judgments, a conclusion is based on evaluation and reasoning, whereas an opinion is a personal belief.
Should conclusions always be definitive?
While conclusions signify finality, they can be tentative, especially when open to revision with new evidence.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
