A1verb1K

Guess

UK /["/ɡes/","/ˈɡesɪz/","/ɡest/","/ˈɡesɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɡes/","/ˈɡesɪz/","/ɡest/","/ˈɡesɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to try and give an answer or make a judgement about something without being sure of all the facts

In simple words: To try to answer something without being sure.

Examples

  • Can you guess the answer to the riddle?
  • I will guess your age based on how you look.
  • It's hard to guess what will happen next in the story.
  • She couldn't guess where he had hidden the surprise.
  • If you don't know, just take a guess.
  • I guess it's going to rain later today.
  • We thought we would guess correctly, but we were wrong.

Usage notes

Use 'guess' when you are making a suggestion or estimation without having all the facts. It's appropriate in informal and formal contexts. Avoid using 'guess' in very serious situations where certainty is required.

Grammar pattern

guess + object

Memory hint

Think of 'guessing' as like throwing a dart at a target without aiming.

Collocations

  • correctly
  • right
  • incorrectly
  • can
  • can only
  • try to
  • at
  • from
  • could have guessed
  • might have guessed
  • should have guessed
  • correctly
  • right
  • incorrectly
  • can
  • can only
  • try to
  • at
  • from
  • could have guessed
  • might have guessed
  • should have guessed
  • correctly
  • right
  • incorrectly
  • can
  • can only
  • try to
  • at
  • from
  • could have guessed
  • might have guessed
  • should have guessed
  • correctly
  • right
  • incorrectly
  • can
  • can only
  • try to
  • at
  • from
  • could have guessed
  • might have guessed
  • should have guessed

Synonyms

  • estimate
  • predict
  • assume
  • conjecture
  • speculate

Antonyms

  • know
  • certainty

Common mistakes

  • Using 'guess' as a noun incorrectly, e.g., 'Give me a guess' instead of 'Take a guess.'
  • Confusing 'guess' with 'know' — they have different levels of certainty.
  • Using 'guess' with a direct object where an indirect object is needed.