conjecture
An opinion or conclusion based on incomplete information
Examples
In a meeting
“At this point, we're operating on conjecture rather than solid data.”
Over coffee
“It's all conjecture until we hear the official announcement.”
Why this word
guess
Conjecture implies reasoning from incomplete information, while guess suggests less analytical basis
speculation
Conjecture emphasizes forming a theory without firm evidence, while speculation is broader and can include theoretical reasoning
assumption
Conjecture acknowledges uncertainty in the inference, while assumption treats something as given or accepted
Usage tip
Use when emphasizing that conclusions lack complete evidence or proof
Etymology
Latin 'coniectura' (con- together + iacere to throw)
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Related words
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional
tenuous
Very weak, slight, or uncertain
tentatively
In a hesitant or uncertain manner, subject to change
apprehensive
Anxious or worried about something that may happen in the future
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.