conjecture

/kən'dʤektʃə/

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Understanding the Word "Conjecture"

Definition: The word "conjecture" can be both a noun and a verb.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "conjecture" when you want to talk about guesses or opinions that are not based on solid evidence.
• It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

Examples:

• Noun: "His conjecture about the ending of the movie turned out to be correct."
• Verb: "Scientists conjecture that many species will become extinct due to climate change."

Advanced Usage:

• In academic writing, "conjecture" is often used to discuss theories or hypotheses that are not yet proven, such as in scientific research or philosophical debates.

Word Variants:

• Conjectural (adjective): Relating to conjecture; based on guesswork rather than evidence.
  • Example: "The conjectural nature of his theory means it needs more research."
• Conjecturing (verb): The act of forming a conjecture.
  • Example: "She was conjecturing about the reasons for his sudden departure."

Different Meanings:

• "Conjecture" can also imply a level of uncertainty or speculation, often indicating that the person is aware their opinion may not be correct.

Synonyms:

• Guess
• Speculation
• Hypothesis
• Assumption
• Theory

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that commonly use "conjecture," but you might come across phrases like "make a conjecture" or "form a conjecture."

Summary:

To sum up, "conjecture" is a useful word for discussing guesses or theories that are based on incomplete information.

Academic

Noun

1. reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence
2. a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
3. a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)
   • speculations about the outcome of the election
   • he dismissed it as mere conjecture

Verb

1. to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
   • Scientists supposed that large dinosaurs lived in swamps

Synonyms

• guess
• supposition
• surmise
• surmisal
• speculation
• hypothesis
• speculate
• theorize
• theorise
• hypothesize
• hypothesise
• hypothecate
• suppose