guess

To think something is probably true without being sure.

• I guess you are tired.
• I guessed she wanted to leave.
• Will he come? I guess so.

How to use it: guess (that)… (I guess that she is busy.)

Similar words: suppose, think, assume

Common phrases: guess so, guess that, guess not

To give an answer or form an idea when you do not have enough information.

• Can you guess her age?
• We guessed how much the repairs would cost.
• Nobody could guess what he was thinking.

How to use it: guess at something (We can only guess at the cost.); guess what/how/why… (Can you guess why he left?)

Similar words: estimate, speculate, conjecture

Common phrases: guess the answer, guess at something, guess someone’s age

To find the correct answer without knowing it for certain beforehand.

• You guessed my name!
• She guessed the right answer immediately.
• Who guessed the winner of the race?

Similar words: work out, solve

Common phrases: guess correctly, guess the password, guess the riddle

An answer or idea you give without being sure it is correct.

• My guess is ten dollars.
• Her first guess was wrong.
• Can you make a better guess?

How to use it: a guess at something (Take a guess at the price.)

Similar words: estimate, prediction, conjecture

Common phrases: a good guess, an educated guess, a wild guess, make a guess