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.