Meaning & Definition of word "Conjecture"
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Conjecture
/kənˈdʒɛk.tʃər/
noun:
- 1. An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
- Example: The scientist's conjecture about the behavior of dark matter sparked a lot of interest in the astrophysics community.
- 2. A statement or theory that is not proven but is assumed for the sake of argument.
- Example: His conjecture that all swans are white was challenged when a black swan was discovered.
- 3. A guess or hypothesis that requires further investigation.
- Example: While her conjecture seemed plausible, more data was needed to validate it.
verb:
- 1. To form an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information.
- Example: Based on the available evidence, she conjectured that the past temperature was much higher.
- 2. To make an inference or guess.
- Example: He conjectured that the missing documents were destroyed in the fire.
Etymology
From Latin 'conjectura', meaning 'a throwing together' or 'to throw together' the ideas.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wild conjecture:
A guess that is considered to be impractical or illogical.
conjecture about:
To form an opinion or supposition about something without firm evidence.
conjecture is raised:
To suggest a possible explanation or theory when discussing a topic.
Related Words
deduction:
The process of reasoning from one or more statements to reach a logical conclusion.
induction:
The process of reasoned inference in which general principles are inferred from specific observations.
Slang Meanings of conjecture
Meaning: Guesswork
Example Sentence: I’d just be guessing, so it’s pure conjecture at this point.
Meaning: Shot in the dark
Example Sentence: My prediction was just a conjecture, a total shot in the dark.