Conferred vs. Inferred: Know the Difference
By Dua Fatima & Hifza Nasir || Updated on March 5, 2024
Conferred means to grant or bestow something upon someone, while inferred involves drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning.
Key Differences
Conferred is often used in formal contexts where an honor, degree, or gift is given to someone by an authority or institution. For instance, universities confer degrees upon their graduates, symbolizing the completion of a course of study. On the other hand, inferred pertains to the process of deducing information that is not explicitly stated, relying on evidence and reasoning to draw conclusions. It is a cognitive process used across various fields, such as literature analysis, scientific research, and everyday decision-making.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
There is usually a clear giver and recipient. For example, an organization may confer an award on an individual for their contributions to a field. This act is intentional and involves a deliberate decision to grant something. Whereas, when someone infers something, they are the recipient of information, and the process involves internal cognition rather than an external ceremony or action. Inference can be subjective, influenced by the individual's perspective, knowledge, and assumptions.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Conferred actions are typically documented and recognized publicly, such as in certificates, titles, or awards. They carry a formal acknowledgment of achievement or status. In contrast, inferences are personal and mental activities that do not necessarily result in public recognition or formal documentation. They are often part of a private thought process, guiding an individual's understanding and actions based on the information at hand.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
The concept of conferring is associated with a sense of achievement and recognition from external sources. It is a social act that often involves ceremony and ritual. Inferred, however, is more about internal processing and understanding, a mental activity that connects dots and fills in gaps within the information presented.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Conferred involves a direct action from an external entity towards an individual, emphasizing the aspect of giving or granting. In contrast, inferred emphasizes the receiver's action, focusing on the cognitive process of drawing conclusions. This distinction highlights the difference between a formal, external acknowledgment and an internal, cognitive process.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To grant or bestow something, usually formally.
To draw a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Process
External, involving a giver and a recipient.
Internal, cognitive process without direct external action.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Recognition
Often formal and public, such as awards or degrees.
Personal and mental, not necessarily recognized publicly.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Context
Typically used in formal settings and ceremonies.
Used in analytical, scientific, and personal contexts.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Nature
Active and deliberate act of giving.
Passive process of understanding or concluding.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
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Conferred and Inferred Definitions
Conferred
To give an honor, right, or gift.
The organization conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award on him.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Inferred
To deduce or conclude information from known facts.
He inferred the time of the accident from the eyewitness reports.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Conferred
To bestow a title or degree.
The college conferred the title of Professor Emeritus on the retired faculty member.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Inferred
To derive by reasoning; conclude or judge from premises or evidence.
From the data, we inferred the effectiveness of the new drug.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Conferred
To grant or bestow something formally.
The university conferred a Doctorate of Philosophy degree upon her.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
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Inferred
To guess or speculate based on hints or indirect information.
They inferred that the surprise party was for them from the secretive conversations.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Conferred
To have discussions to reach a decision.
The committee conferred to decide on the new policy.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Inferred
To conclude from evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements.
She inferred his displeasure from his tone of voice.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Conferred
To impart knowledge or information.
The expert conferred his insights during the workshop.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Inferred
To make an educated guess based on observed data.
Scientists inferred the presence of water on the planet through spectral analysis.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Inferred
To conclude from evidence or by reasoning
"For many years the cerebral localization of all higher cognitive processes could be inferred only from the effects of brain injuries on the people who survived them" (Sally E. Shaywitz).
Dua Fatima
Oct 19, 2023
Conferred
To meet in order to deliberate together or compare views; consult
Conferred with her attorney.
Dua Fatima
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a machine or algorithm infer?
Yes, machines or algorithms can infer through processes designed to mimic human reasoning, often used in artificial intelligence.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Is inferring always accurate?
Inference is not always accurate; it depends on the quality of evidence and reasoning.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Can the process of conferring be reversed?
While some acts of conferring can be revoked or reversed, such as stripping a title, many are permanent recognitions.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
What skills are necessary for making accurate inferences?
Critical thinking, analytical skills, and a good understanding of context and evidence are crucial for accurate inferences.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
How is inferring different from assuming?
Inferring involves drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning, while assuming is accepting something as true without proof.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Is inferring a skill that can be improved?
Yes, inference is a skill that can be improved with practice, education, and exposure to a variety of situations.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
What does it mean to confer something?
To confer something means to formally grant or bestow it, such as a title, degree, or honor, upon someone.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Can both a physical and non-physical item be conferred?
Yes, both physical items (like medals) and non-physical items (like rights or titles) can be conferred.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
What is an example of something being conferred in everyday life?
A common example is a manager conferring new responsibilities or roles to an employee.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can someone refuse something that is conferred upon them?
Yes, individuals can refuse honors, titles, or responsibilities that are conferred upon them.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
How do cultural differences impact the process of conferring?
Cultural norms and values can influence the manner, significance, and perception of conferring honors or titles.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
How does context affect inference?
The context can significantly influence inference, as it provides background that shapes understanding and conclusions.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Can inferences lead to misunderstandings?
Yes, if based on faulty evidence or reasoning, inferences can lead to misunderstandings or incorrect conclusions.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Are there disciplines where inferring is more important than conferring?
In disciplines like research, literature, and law, inferring is crucial for analysis and decision-making, whereas conferring is more relevant in contexts of awards, titles, and official recognitions.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
What is the role of evidence in making an inference?
Evidence is fundamental in making an inference, as it provides the basis for conclusions drawn through reasoning.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Dua Fatima
Co-written by
Hifza Nasir
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
