What do we call a conclusion or opinion formed based on known facts or evidence?

The term that describes a conclusion or opinion formed based on known facts or evidence is referred to as an inference. In the context of reasoning, an inference involves drawing logical conclusions from what is observed or known, allowing individuals to arrive at a reasoned judgment that goes beyond the immediate evidence. This process is fundamental in various fields, especially in investigations within law and public safety, where facts must be interpreted to understand situations, behaviors, or motives.

In contrast, a hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. An assumption is something accepted as true without any proof, and a postulate is a statement accepted without proof as a basis for reasoning. These definitions highlight that while all these terms are related to reasoning and conclusions, inference specifically emphasizes the logical interpretation of existing evidence to reach a new conclusion.