conjecture

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈdʒɛktʃə/

noun

  • an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information: conjectures about the newcomer were many and varied [mass noun]: a matter for conjecture
  • an unproven mathematical or scientific theorem.
  • [mass noun] (in textual criticism) the suggestion of a reading of a text not present in the original source.

verb

[reporting verb]
  • form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information: [with clause]: many conjectured that she had a second husband in mind
  • (in textual criticism) propose (a reading).

Derivatives

conjecturable

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (in the senses 'to divine' and 'divination'): from Old French, or from Latin conjectura, from conicere 'put together in thought', from con- 'together' + jacere 'throw'