Inference is the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. It involves using available information to make educated guesses about what is not directly stated. For example, if you see someone wearing a raincoat and carrying an umbrella, you might infer that it is likely to rain. Inferences are commonly used in everyday life, as well as in fields like science and literature. In literature, readers often infer character motivations or themes based on the actions and dialogue presented. In science, researchers make inferences from data to develop theories or understand phenomena.