Guess

Definition

Guess is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to form an opinion or estimate without sufficient information or evidence. As a noun, it refers to an attempt to estimate or judge something without full knowledge.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡɛs/
• Respelling: GESS

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡɛs/
• Respelling: GESS

Etymology

The word "guess" originates from Middle English "gessen," meaning "to estimate or judge," derived from Old Norse "gesa," which means "to try." It has been used in English since the late 14th century.

Derivatives

• Guesser (noun)
• Guesswork (noun)
• Guessing (verb, present participle)
• Misguess (verb)
• Second-guess (verb)

Synonyms

• Estimate
• Speculate
• Surmise

Antonyms

• Know
• Determine
• None

Usage

The verb "guess" is commonly used in sentences like "Can you guess the answer to this riddle?" The noun form appears in contexts such as "That was just a lucky guess."

Related Terms

• Inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning.
• Prediction: A statement about what will happen in the future.
• Hypothesis: A proposed explanation based on limited evidence.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To estimate or form an opinion without sufficient information: Refers to making a judgment based on limited knowledge.
  • Example: "I can only guess what time she’ll arrive."
• To assume or suppose: Describes making a conclusion based on belief or intuition.
  • Example: "I guess we should leave now."

Noun

• An estimate or judgment made without complete knowledge: Refers to the act of guessing.
  • Example: "Her guess was surprisingly accurate."
• A conjecture or speculation: Describes a hypothesis formed without certainty.
  • Example: "It’s just a guess, but I think he’ll win."