Infer vs Generalize - What's the difference?
infer | generalize |
To introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence.
* 2010 , "Keep calm, but don't carry on", The Economist , 7 Oct 2010:
To lead to (something) as a consequence; to imply. (Now often considered incorrect, especially with a person as subject.)
*, II.3:
* Shakespeare
* Sir Thomas More
(obsolete) To cause, inflict (something) (upon) or (to) someone.
* 1596 , (Edmund Spenser), The Faerie Queene , VI.8:
(obsolete) To introduce (a subject) in speaking, writing etc.; to bring in.
* Shakespeare
To speak in generalities, or in vague terms.
To infer or induce from specific cases to more general cases or principles.
* W. Nicholson
To spread throughout the body and become systemic.
To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars.
* Coleridge
As verbs the difference between infer and generalize
is that infer is to introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence while generalize is to speak in generalities, or in vague terms.infer
English
Verb
(inferr)- 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.
- These and a thousand like propositions, which concurre in this purpose, do evidently inferre .
- This doth infer the zeal I had to see him.
- The first part is not the proof of the second, but rather contrariwise, the second inferreth well the first.
- faire Serena.
- Full well hath Clifford played the orator, / Inferring arguments of mighty force.
Usage notes
There are two ways in which the word "infer" is sometimes used as if it meant "imply". "Implication" is done by a person when making a "statement", whereas "inference" is done to a proposition after it had already been made or assumed. Secondly, the word "infer" can sometimes be used to mean "allude" or "express" in a suggestive manner rather than as a direct "statement". Using the word "infer" in this sense is now generally considered incorrect.[http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000232.htm
Synonyms
* assume, conclude, deduce, construeAnagrams
* ----generalize
English
Alternative forms
* generalise (non-Oxford British spelling)Verb
(en-verb)- Copernicus generalized' the celestial motions by merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton ' generalized them still more by referring this last to the motion of a stone through the air.
- A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.