Conjecture

Quick meaning: Conjecture is a noun meaning (formal) A statement or an idea which is unproven, but is thought to be true; a guess.

Meaning

(formal) A statement or an idea which is unproven, but is thought to be true; a guess.

More Meanings

1. (formal) A supposition based upon incomplete evidence; a hypothesis.
2. (mathematics, linguistics) A statement likely to be true based on available evidence, but which has not been formally proven.
3. (formal, intransitive) To guess; to venture an unproven idea.
4. (transitive) To infer on slight evidence; to guess at.
5. (obsolete) Interpretation of signs and omens.

Example Sentences

I do not know if it is true; I am simply conjecturing here.

I explained it, but it is pure conjecture whether he understood, or not.

The physicist used his conjecture about subatomic particles to design an experiment.

February 22, 1685, Robert South, All Contingences under the Direction of God's Providence (sermon preached at Westminster Abbey)

Word Forms

• conjectures
• conjecturing
• conjectured

Synonyms for conjecture

Depending on context, synonyms include surmise, speculate, supposition, hypothesis, speculation, suppose.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include surmise, hypothesize, supposition, guess, suppose, speculate.

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