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conjectural

[kuh n-jek-cher-uh l]
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adjective
  1. of, of the nature of, or involving conjecture; problematical: Theories about the extinction of dinosaurs are highly conjectural.
  2. given to making conjectures: a conjectural thinker.
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Origin of conjectural

1545–55; < Latin conjectūrālis, equivalent to conjectūr(a) conjecture + -ālis -al1
Related formscon·jec·tur·al·ly, adverbun·con·jec·tur·al, adjective

Synonyms

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1. speculative, theoretical, doubtful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for conjectural

Historical Examples

  • "Why—" Her eyes clouded; she pursed her lips over the conjectural annoyance.

    The Black Bag

    Louis Joseph Vance

  • As for ourselves, we merely indulge in a piece of conjectural criticism.

  • It is conjectural astronomy, conjectural natural philosophy, conjectural medicine.

    Timaeus

    Plato

  • Singer's conjectural reading is that; but and seems to me to be the word required.

  • But there is no need to resort to circumstantial or conjectural evidence.

British Dictionary definitions for conjectural

conjectural

adjective
  1. involving or inclined to conjecture
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Derived Formsconjecturally, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for conjectural

adj.

1550s, from Latin conjecturalis "belonging to conjecture," from conjectura (see conjecture). Related: Conjecturally (mid-15c.).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper