Meaning & Definition of word "Guess"

Guess

/ɡɛs/

noun:

  • 1. An estimate or opinion made without sufficient information; a conjecture.
    • Example: My guess is that the meeting will last an hour.
  • 2. A choice or answer made without certainty.
    • Example: Take a guess at how many candies are in the jar.

verb:

  • 1. To form an opinion or make a statement about something without sufficient information or evidence; to estimate or conjecture.
    • Example: I guess it will rain tomorrow based on the dark clouds.
  • 2. To arrive at an answer or opinion by intuition or a hunch rather than by knowledge.
    • Example: Can you guess how many people will attend the event?
  • 3. To make a choice or decision when you are not sure about the outcome.
    • Example: I had to guess the answer on the test because I didn't know it.

Etymology

Middle English 'gessen', from Old Norse 'gíska', which means 'to mention' or 'to propose'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a good guess:

An estimation that is correct or close to correct.

take a guess:

To make an estimation or judgment based on limited information.

best guess:

The most informed opinion or estimation one can provide.

guess what:

A phrase used to introduce surprising or interesting information.

Related Words

estimate:

A rough calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.

conjecture:

An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.

speculation:

The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

Slang Meanings of guess

Meaning: To make a wild guess

Example Sentence: I just took a wild guess and said 100.

Meaning: Just a guess

Example Sentence: That was just a guess, I had no real idea.