Surmise: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you form an opinion or conclusion based on very little evidence.

• I can only surmise that she left early because she wasn't feeling well.
• From his expression, I surmise he wasn't pleased with the decision.

Used in everyday conversation when you make an assumption without much information. It's often casual and informal.

• I guess he won't come to the party.
• Can you guess how many candies are in the jar?

Used when you form an opinion or theory without firm evidence, often based on incomplete information. It may imply a bit of adventurous thinking.

• They speculated about what might happen if the company went bankrupt.
• It's fun to speculate on what life on other planets might be like.

Used when you draw a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. It often implies a deeper level of thinking and logic.

• From the data presented, we can infer that the project will succeed.
• She inferred from his silence that he was upset.

Used when you make a hypothesis without strong supporting evidence, often in scientific or formal contexts. It usually indicates that it’s an opinion or idea not necessarily based on complete information.

• The scientist's conjecture about the origins of the universe remains unproven.
• All we have at this point are conjectures until further data is gathered.