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

OTHER WORDS FROM conjecture

Example sentences from the Web for misconjecture

British Dictionary definitions for misconjecture

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, noun

Word Origin for conjecture

C14: from Latin conjectūra an assembling of facts, from conjicere to throw together, from jacere to throw