guess

 
Pronunciation: /gɛs/

verb

[with object]
  • estimate or conclude (something) without sufficient information to be sure of being correct: she guessed the child’s age at 14 or 15 [with clause]: he took her aside and I guessed that he was offering her a job [no object]: we can only guess at Alan’s motives
  • form a correct conclusion about (something) by guessing: [with clause]: she’s guessed where we’re going
  • (I guess) informal used to indicate that although one thinks or supposes something, it is without any great conviction or strength of feeling: [with clause]: I guess I’d better tell you everything

noun

  • an estimate or conclusion formed by guessing: my guess is that within a year we will have a referendum

Phrases

anybody's (or anyone's) guess

very difficult or impossible to determine: how well the system will work is anybody’s guess

keep someone guessing

informal leave someone uncertain or in doubt as to one’s intentions or plans.

Derivatives

guessable

adjective

guesser

noun

Origin:

Middle English: origin uncertain; perhaps from Dutch gissen, and probably related to get

Spelling help

Spell guess with -ue- after the g and a double s at the end.