conjecture
Americannoun
-
the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof.
-
an opinion or theory so formed or expressed; guess; speculation.
- Synonyms:
- hypothesis, theory, supposition, inference, surmise
-
Obsolete. the interpretation of signs or omens.
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
-
the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence; guess
-
the inference or conclusion so formed
-
obsolete interpretation of occult signs
verb
Related Words
See guess.
Other Word Forms
- conjecturable adjective
- conjecturably adverb
- conjecturer noun
- misconjecture verb
- nonconjecturable adjective
- nonconjecturably adverb
- preconjecture verb (used with object)
- unconjecturable adjective
- unconjectured adjective
Etymology
Origin of conjecture
First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the noun) Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin conjectūra “inference, reasoning,” from conject(us) “thrown together” (past participle of conicere, conjicere “to throw together, form a conclusion,” from con- con- + -icere, -jicere, combining form of jacere “to throw”) + -ūra -ure; (for the verb) late Middle English conjecturen, from Middle French, from Late Latin conjecturāre, derivative of the noun
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The researchers conjectured that because washers and dryers are typically sold as pairs, retailers may have simply spread the washing machine cost increase between the two products to keep their prices similar.
From Los Angeles Times
Leaving the hard numbers aside, conjectures about the effects of AI on individual companies are exactly that — conjectures.
From Los Angeles Times
Some legal observers have conjectured the 8th Circuit’s reversal of her injunction prompted her to stay her hand, over a concern that the appeals court would overrule her again.
From Los Angeles Times
The Kiel researchers conjectured that exporters didn’t absorb the tariff costs for three main reasons.
From Los Angeles Times
“It could be worth several bags of groceries a month, or a tank of gas,” Rust conjectures — “significant savings for millions of people.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
