Infer vs Probe - What's the difference?
infer | probe |
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
(surgery) Any of various medical instruments used to explore wounds, organs, etc.
(figuratively) Something which penetrates something else, as though to explore; something which obtains information.
An act of probing; a prod, a poke.
(figuratively) An investigation or inquiry.
(aeronautics) A tube attached to an aircraft which can be fitted into the drogue from a tanker aircraft to allow for aerial refuelling.
(sciences) A small device, especially an electrode, used to explore, investigate or measure something by penetrating or being placed in it.
(astronautics) A small, usually unmanned, spacecraft used to acquire information or measurements about its surroundings.
(game of go) a move with multiple answers seeking to make the opponent choose and commit to a strategy
(intransitive) To explore, investigate, or question
* Hallam
To insert a probe into.
As verbs the difference between infer and probe
is that infer is to introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence while probe is .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
* ----probe
English
Noun
(en noun)- They launched a probe into the cause of the accident.
- Insert the probe into the soil and read the temperature.
Synonyms
* (game of go ) yosu-miruDerived terms
* probe-and-drogueVerb
(prob)- If you probe further, you may discover different reasons.
- the growing disposition to probe the legality of all acts of the crown
