To reach a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning, rather than from a direct statement.
“From the tone of the letter, we can infer that the writer is dissatisfied with the response time.”
“Readers might infer that the meeting was postponed due to the vague wording.”
Reading Part 1 often asks what readers can 'infer' from a letter, meaning the answer is implied rather than stated word-for-word. Practice distinguishing 'infer', what you conclude, from 'imply', what the writer suggests, since CELPIP sometimes tests both directions.
Synonyms: deduce, conclude, gather