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Surmised Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surmised

[sษœหrหˆmaษชzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to guess

Surmised refers to the process of forming an opinion or making a guess about something without having all the necessary information or evidence. When someone surmises, they rely on their intuition or the available hints to draw a conclusion that may or may not be correct. This term often implies a degree of uncertainty in the conclusion reached. It's commonly used in contexts where speculation is involved based on limited data.

Synonyms

guessed, hypothesized, inferred, presumed, supposed.

Examples of usage

  • She surmised that he was late due to traffic.
  • From the look on his face, she surmised he wasn't happy.
  • I could only surmise what might have happened.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Surmise appears frequently in literature, often illustrating characters making assumptions based on incomplete information.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often surmise the motives of others, adding layers of intrigue and drama.
  • Notable authors like Agatha Christie use the concept of surmising to build suspense in their mystery novels.

Psychology

  • Humans often surmise as part of problem-solving; it's a way our brains try to make sense of complex situations.
  • Cognitive biases can heavily influence what people surmise, leading to incorrect assumptions.
  • Surmising plays a key role in daily decision-making, from routine choices to crucial life decisions.

Pop Culture

  • In films, detectives frequently surmise details about a case based on circumstantial evidence, driving the plot forward.
  • Reality TV shows often rely on contestantsโ€™ surmises, showcasing how misunderstandings can lead to drama.
  • Popular social media platforms make it easy for users to surmise information, sometimes leading to misinformation.

Origin of 'surmised'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'surmise' comes from Old French 'surmiser', meaning 'to put above or estimate' and can be traced back to Latin 'supermittere', meaning 'to send over'.
  • It reflects the combination of 'sur-' meaning 'over' and 'mise' meaning 'to put' or 'to place'.
  • The term has been in use since the late 14th century, showing how long people have been making guesses!

The word 'surmise' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'surmiser'. It combines the prefix 'sur-' meaning 'over' or 'above' and the verb 'miser' which means 'to put or send'. The use of 'surmise' has evolved through time, where it originally encapsulated a stronger sense of assumption or conjecture. In its etymological journey, it reflects the human tendency to form judgments without complete knowledge. By the 14th century, 'surmise' was used in English literature to describe an inference made without sufficient evidence, signifying a relationship between thought and uncertainty.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,987, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.