Conjecture

/kənˈdʒɛk.tʃər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
The scientist's conjecture about the behavior of dark matter sparked a lot of interest in the astrophysics community.
A statement or theory that is not proven but is assumed for the sake of argument.
His conjecture that all swans are white was challenged when a black swan was discovered.
A guess or hypothesis that requires further investigation.
While her conjecture seemed plausible, more data was needed to validate it.
verb
To form an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information.
Based on the available evidence, she conjectured that the past temperature was much higher.
To make an inference or guess.
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

Slang Meanings

Guesswork
I’d just be guessing, so it’s pure conjecture at this point.
Shot in the dark
My prediction was just a conjecture, a total shot in the dark.