guess

UK: ɡɛs | US: ɡɛs

Definition

  1. v. to estimate or suppose without sufficient information

  2. n. an estimate or opinion formed without sufficient evidence

Structure
gues <to estimate>
Etymology

The word "guess" originates from Old English gētan (to estimate) and was reinforced by Old Norse geta (to guess, get). Over time, it evolved to its modern spelling and meaning, reflecting the act of forming an opinion without certainty. The morpheme "gues" retains the core idea of estimation, though its spelling shifted slightly from its Germanic roots.

Examples

  1. Can you guess how many candies are in the jar?

  2. I’ll take a wild guess and say it’s around 50.

  3. She guessed the answer correctly on her first try.

  4. His guess was surprisingly accurate.

  5. Without clues, it’s hard to guess the meaning of the riddle.