Words / C1

k-uh-n-JEKCH-uh/kənˈdʒektʃə/

Conjecture is an opinion formed without enough evidence — a respectable guess, not a wild one. Guess is everyday and can sound childish; speculation is close but often more public rumour. Hypothesis is what you design a test for. As a verb, to conjecture is rare and very formal. In essays, mark conjecture as conjecture; do not dress it up as fact.

Meaning

An opinion formed without complete evidence; a guess.

Examples

• “Without data, it is only conjecture.”
• “Any claim about motive is still conjecture.”
• “Historians can only conjecture what the missing letter said.”

Good to know

Noun (usual): conjecture, not fact. Stronger method: hypothesis. Everyday: guess / speculation.

Near in meaning

speculation

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