1. conjecture(n = noun.cognition) speculation - a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence); "speculations about the outcome of the election"; "he dismissed it as mere conjecture"
is a kind of hypothesis, possibility, theory
Derived forms adjective conjectural1, verb conjecture1
2. conjecture(n = noun.communication) guess, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmisal, surmise - a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence;
is a kind of opinion, view
has particulars: divination
Derived form adjective conjectural1
3. conjecture(n = noun.cognition) - reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence;
is a kind of abstract thought, logical thinking, reasoning
has particulars: theorisation, theorization, supposal, supposition
Derived forms adjective conjectural1, verb conjecture1
conjecture(v = verb.cognition) hypothecate, hypothesise, hypothesize, speculate, suppose, theorise, theorize - to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds; "Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps"
is one way to anticipate, expect
Derived forms noun conjecture3, noun conjecture1
Sample sentences:
They conjecture that there was a traffic accident
An opinion, or judgment, formed on defective or presumptive evidence; probable inference; surmise; guess; suspicion. [1913 Webster]
"He [Herodotus] would thus have corrected his first loose conjecture by a real study of nature." [1913 Webster]
"Conjectures, fancies, built on nothing firm." [1913 Webster]
To arrive at by conjecture; to infer on slight evidence; to surmise; to guess; to form, at random, opinions concerning. [1913 Webster]
"Human reason can then, at the best, but conjecture what will be." [1913 Webster]
To make conjectures; to surmise; to guess; to infer; to form an opinion; to imagine. [1913 Webster]
conjecture, n. & v.
--n.
1 a the formation of an opinion on incomplete information; guessing. b an opinion or conclusion reached in this way.
2 a (in textual criticism) the guessing of a reading not in the text. b a proposed reading.
--v.
1 tr. & intr. guess.
2 tr. (in textual criticism) propose (a reading).
Derivative:
conjecturable adj.
Etymology:
ME f. OF conjecture or L conjectura f. conjicere (as com-, jacere throw)
N supposition, assumption, assumed position, postulation, condition, presupposition, hypothesis, blue sky hypothesis, postulate, postulatum, theory, thesis, theorem, data, proposition, position, proposal, presumption, divination, conjecture, guess, guesswork, speculation, rough guess, shot, shot in the dark, conjecturality, surmise, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, estimate, approximation (nearness), inkling, suggestion, hint, intimation, notion, impression, bare supposition, vague supposition, loose supposition, loose suggestion, association of ideas, (analogy), metonym, metonymy, simile (metaphor), conceit, idea, thought, original idea, invention (imagination), supposing, given, mooted, postulatory, assumed, supposititious, suppositive, suppositious, gratuitous, speculative, conjectural, hypothetical, theoretical, academic, supposable, presumptive, putative, suppositional, suggestive, allusive, if, if so be, an, on the supposition, ex hypothesi, in the case, in the event of, quasi, as if, provided, perhaps, for aught one knows.
VB suppose, conjecture, surmise, suspect, guess, divine, theorize, presume, presurmise, presuppose, assume, fancy, wis, take it, give a guess, speculate, believe, dare say, take it into one's head, take for granted, imagine, put forth, propound, propose, start, put a case, submit, move, make a motion, hazard out, throw out a suggestion, put forward a suggestion, put forward conjecture, allude to, suggest, hint, put it into one's head, suggest itself, run in the head, marvel if, wonder if, wonder whether.