second-guess

[sek-uhnd-ges]

verb (used with object)

1. to use hindsight in criticizing or correcting.

2. to predict (something) or outguess (someone).

   We must try to second-guess what he'll do next.

second-guess

verb

1. to criticize or evaluate with hindsight

2. to attempt to anticipate or predict (a person or thing)

Other Word Forms

• second-guesser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of second-guess¹

First recorded in 1945–50