conjecture
[ kuhn-jek-cher ]
/ kənˈdʒɛk tʃər /
noun
the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof.
an opinion or theory so formed or expressed; guess; speculation.
Obsolete.
the interpretation of signs or omens.
verb (used with object), con·jec·tured, con·jec·tur·ing.
to conclude or suppose from grounds or evidence insufficient to ensure reliability.
verb (used without object), con·jec·tured, con·jec·tur·ing.
to form conjectures.
Origin of conjecture
1350–1400; (noun) Middle English < Latin
conjectūra (< Middle French) inferring, reasoning, equivalent to
conject(us) past participle of
conjicere to throw together, form a conclusion (
con-
con- +
-jicere, combining form of
jacere to throw) +
-ūra
-ure; (v.) late Middle English
conjecturen (< Middle French) < Late Latin
conjecturāre, derivative of the noun
SYNONYMS FOR conjecture
OTHER WORDS FROM conjecture
Words nearby conjecture
coniston water,
conium,
conization,
conj.,
conjectural,
conjecture,
conjoin,
conjoined,
conjoined anastomosis,
conjoined twin,
conjoined twins
Example sentences from the Web for conjecture
British Dictionary definitions for conjecture
conjecture
/ (kənˈdʒɛktʃə) /
noun
the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence; guess
the inference or conclusion so formed
obsolete
interpretation of occult signs
verb
to infer or arrive at (an opinion, conclusion, etc) from incomplete evidence
Derived forms of conjecture
conjecturable, adjective conjecturably, adverb conjecturer, nounWord Origin for conjecture
C14: from Latin
conjectūra an assembling of facts, from
conjicere to throw together, from
jacere to throw