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)

, con·jec·tured, con·jec·tur·ing.

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

   Synonyms: presume, suppose, surmise

verb (used without object)

, con·jec·tured, con·jec·tur·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• conˈjecturable, adjective
• conˈjecturably, adverb
• conˈjecturer, noun

Other Words From

• con·jectur·a·ble adjective
• con·jectur·a·bly adverb
• con·jectur·er noun
• miscon·jecture verb misconjectured misconjecturing noun
• noncon·jectur·a·ble adjective
• noncon·jectur·a·bly adverb
• precon·jecture verb (used with object) preconjectured preconjecturing
• uncon·jectur·a·ble adjective
• uncon·jectured 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

You and your colleagues' conclusion that something appears to be dangerously wrong with Trump's mind, personality, brain and behavior is not conjecture or partisan hyperbole.

From Salon

Lopez said that she learned a long time ago that everything written or said about her or “conjecture of who I am as a person, is not who I am.”

From Los Angeles Times

Is it actually true that Donald Trump systematically underperforms in the polls or is that just speculation and conjecture that has solidified into conventional wisdom among the news media and punditry?

From Salon

The president’s subsequent hasty exile baffled many of his supporters and led to conjecture that, perhaps, there were incriminating videos of him as well.

From Los Angeles Times

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a watchdog group that is an offspring of the late hedge fund billionaire Pete Peterson, wrung its hands over the potential cost of Harris’ plan, based on a conjecture that she would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

From Los Angeles Times