inference

Where does the word "inference" come from? It comes from Latin inferre, and was adopted directly into English (1520s).

Inference’s story begins in Latin: inferre meant “to bring in, to carry into.” To carry in, to bring about, from in- (in) and ferre (to carry). It reached English by 1520s as inference. Settled as the English word for a conclusion reached through reasoning. Today, inference means a conclusion reached through reasoning based on evidence.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient inferre "to bring in, to carry into", to carry in, to bring about, from in- (in) and ferre (to carry).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1520s inference "a conclusion reached through reasoning from evidence", settled as the English word for a conclusion reached through reasoning.