Conjecturally: meaning, definitions and examples
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conjecturally
[ kənˈdʒɛk.tʃər.ə.li ]
inference context
Conjecturally refers to something that is based on conjecture or hypothesis rather than on solid evidence. It suggests a speculative or uncertain nature of a statement or idea, often used in academic or analytical discussions.
Synonyms
hypothetically, presumptively, speculatively, theoretically
Examples of usage
- The theory was conjecturally accepted until proven otherwise.
- Conjecturally, the results indicate a significant trend.
- The data was analyzed conjecturally to generate new hypotheses.
Word origin
The term 'conjecturally' derives from the noun 'conjecture', which comes from the Latin 'conjectura', meaning 'a throwing together' or 'interpretation'. It is composed of 'con-' (together) and 'jectura' (throwing). The use of 'conjecture' in English dates back to the late 14th century and was used to describe the act of forming an opinion or conclusion based on incomplete information. Over time, 'conjecturally' emerged in the 17th century to describe the manner of making such conjectures. Conjecture is often associated with reasoning in mathematics and logic, and its adverbial form facilitates the expression of ideas derived from speculative thought. In modern usage, it is frequently encountered in academic literature, hermeneutics, and theoretical research, emphasizing its role in reasoning without definitive evidence.