infer

in-FUR

meaning in plain English

To figure something out based on what you already know or see, even if it’s not said directly.

for example

When the teacher saw the empty cookie jar and crumbs on the floor, she could infer that someone had sneaked a snack.

Imagine you walk into a room and see a puddle on the floor. You don’t need to be told it rained—you can infer it just from the puddle. The word means using clues to reach a quiet, unspoken conclusion.