Inference in simple words

Inference is the process of using data and information to make predictions, conclusions, or judgments. It is a common task in many fields, such as statistics, machine learning, and data analysis.

In simple terms, inference involves using data and information to make informed guesses or estimates about things we don't directly observe or measure. For example, if you want to know how tall a person is, you might not be able to measure their height directly. In that case, you could use other information, such as their age and gender, to make an inference about their height.

Or a more simple paradigm: 

Inference is like making a guess about something you don't know for sure. For example, let's say you want to know how many cookies are in a jar, but you can't see inside the jar. In that case, you might use your knowledge and experience to make an inference about how many cookies are in the jar.

For example, you might look at the size and shape of the jar and compare it to other jars you know have a certain number of cookies. You might also think about how many people are in the house and how many cookies they might eat. Based on this information, you could make a guess or estimate about how many cookies are in the jar.

Inference is useful because it allows us to make predictions and conclusions based on limited information. By carefully analyzing and interpreting data, we can make more accurate and reliable inferences and use them to make better decisions and solve problems. So, even though we might not know everything for sure, inference can help us make better guesses and estimates about things we don't directly observe or measure.