conjectural
/kən'dʤektʃərəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The scientist presents a conjectural diagram of the ancient creature's anatomy.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Based on or involving conjecture: Formed from incomplete evidence; involving guesswork or supposition rather than certain knowledge.
- Theoretical or hypothetical: Relating to an idea or opinion that is proposed tentatively, often as a starting point for further investigation.
Usage
The adjective conjectural is used to describe statements, ideas, evidence, or reasoning that is speculative and not proven. It often carries a nuance of being based on insufficient facts. It is a formal term commonly used in academic, scientific, and analytical contexts to indicate uncertainty.
Examples
- The origins of the ancient artifact remain conjectural, as no written records exist.
- His entire argument was conjectural and lacked any solid data to support it.
- The report dismissed the claims as mere conjectural gossip.
Advanced Usage
- In a conjectural manner (adverb form: conjecturally): Done in a way that involves guesswork.
- The date was estimated conjecturally based on the style of pottery.
- Conjectural nature: Used to describe the inherent quality of being based on supposition.
- We must acknowledge the conjectural nature of these early conclusions.
Variants and Related Words
- Conjecture (n./v.): A conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information; to form such a conclusion.
- Noun: That is nothing more than a conjecture.
- Verb: Scholars can only conjecture about the author's true intent.
- Conjecturer (n.): A person who conjectures. (Rare)
Synonyms
- Speculative: Based on theory rather than practice.
- Hypothetical: Based on a suggested idea for the sake of argument.
- Suppositional: Relating to or based on a supposition.
- Theoretical: Concerned with the principles of a subject rather than its practical application.
Antonyms
- Certain: Known for sure; established beyond doubt.
- Factual: Concerned with what is actually the case.
- Empirical: Based on observation or experience rather than theory.
- Demonstrable: Clearly apparent or capable of being logically proved.
The scientist presents a conjectural diagram of the ancient creature's anatomy.
Adjective
- based primarily on surmise rather than adequate evidence
- theories about the extinction of dinosaurs are still highly conjectural
- the supposed reason for his absence
- suppositious reconstructions of dead languages
- hypothetical situation