GUESS
verb
Synonyms
conjecture; suppose; surmise; suspect; divine; think; imagine; fancy. Guess, Think, Reckon. Guess denotes, to attempt to hit upon at random; as, to guess at a thing when blindfolded; to conjecture or form an opinion on hidden or very slight grounds: as, to guess a riddle; to guess out the meaning of an obscure passage. The use of the word guess for think or believe, although abundantly sanctioned by good English authors, is now regarded as antiquated and objectionable by discriminating writers. It may properly be branded as a colloguialism and vulgarism when used respecting a purpose or a thing about which there is no uncertainty; as, I guess I 'll go to bed.
Definitions
- 1. To form an opinion concerning, without knowledge or means of knowledge; to judge of at random; to conjecture. First, if thou canst, the harder reason guess. Pope.
- 2. To judge or form an opinion of, from reasons that seem preponderating, but are not decisive. We may then guess how far it was from his design. Milton. Of ambushed men, whom, by their arms and dress, To be Taxallan enemies I guess. Dryden.
- 3. To solve by a correct conjecture; to conjecture rightly; as, he who guesses the riddle shall have the ring; he has guessed my designs.
- 4. To hit upon or reproduce by memory. [Obs.] Tell me their words, as near as thou canst guess them. Shak.
- 5. To think; to suppose; to believe; to imagine; -- followed by an objective clause. Not all together; better far, I guess, That we do make our entrance several ways. Shak. But in known images of life I guess The labor greater. Pope.
Other Definitions
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Added: October 09, 2025
Updated: October 09, 2025
