Meaning & Definition of word "Conjecture"

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.