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Infer vs Ratiocinate - What's the difference?

infer | ratiocinate |

As verbs the difference between infer and ratiocinate

is that infer is to introduce (something) as a reasoned conclusion; to conclude by reasoning or deduction, as from premises or evidence while ratiocinate is to use the powers of the mind logically and methodically; to reason.

infer

English

Verb

(inferr)
  • 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:
    • 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.
  • To lead to (something) as a consequence; to imply. (Now often considered incorrect, especially with a person as subject.)
  • *, II.3:
    • These and a thousand like propositions, which concurre in this purpose, do evidently inferre .
  • * Shakespeare
    • This doth infer the zeal I had to see him.
  • * Sir Thomas More
    • The first part is not the proof of the second, but rather contrariwise, the second inferreth well the first.
  • (obsolete) To cause, inflict (something) (upon) or (to) someone.
  • * 1596 , (Edmund Spenser), The Faerie Queene , VI.8:
    • faire Serena.
  • (obsolete) To introduce (a subject) in speaking, writing etc.; to bring in.
  • * Shakespeare
    • 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, construe

    Related terms

    * inferable * inference * -ferous (-iferous)

    Anagrams

    * ----

    ratiocinate

    English

    Verb

    (ratiocinat)
  • To use the powers of the mind logically and methodically; to reason.
  • * 1887 , , The Treasure of Franchard , ch. 6:
    • "Observe the relative position," returned the Doctor with a smile. "It is your attitude to believe through thick and thin in one man's judgment—your own. I follow the same opinion, but critically and with open eyes. Which is the more irrational—I leave it to yourself."
    "Oh, my dear fellow!" cried Casimir, " . . . [D]on't rationate with me."

    Related terms

    * ratiocination ----