conjecture

[kuhn-jek-cher]

noun

1. the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof.

2. an opinion or theory so formed or expressed; guess; speculation.

   Synonyms: hypothesis, theory, supposition, inference, surmise

3. Obsolete.,  the interpretation of signs or omens.

verb (used with object)

conjectured, conjecturing 

1. to conclude or suppose from grounds or evidence insufficient to ensure reliability.

   Synonyms: presume, suppose, surmise

verb (used without object)

conjectured, conjecturing 

1. to form conjectures.

conjecture

/ kənˈdʒɛktʃə /

noun

1. the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence; guess

2. the inference or conclusion so formed

3. obsolete,  interpretation of occult signs

verb

1. to infer or arrive at (an opinion, conclusion, etc) from incomplete evidence

Other Word Forms

• conjecturable adjective
• conjecturably adverb
• conjecturer noun
• misconjecture verb
• nonconjecturable adjective
• nonconjecturably adverb
• preconjecture verb (used with object)
• unconjecturable adjective
• unconjectured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conjecture¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of conjecture¹

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

Synonym Study

See guess.

Example Sentences

Why the surge of referrals has not yielded a corresponding increase in leases is a matter of conjecture.

From Los Angeles Times

The tone of nonfiction conjectures about the future of Los Angeles generally fall into two categories, elegiac or apocalyptic — and sometimes both: “utopia or dystopia,” in the words of Davis.

From Los Angeles Times

There are loads of conspiracy theories out there, the granddaddy of them all being the conjecture surrounding John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

From Los Angeles Times

I love the idea that you block out the hype and conjecture around the show.

From Los Angeles Times

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association said staff on board had "acted in line with their training and responsibilities under challenging conditions and the pilots shouldn't be vilified based on conjecture".

From BBC

Related Words

• guesswork 
• hunch 
• hypothesis 
• inference 
• supposition