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Simple Definition of guess

from our Learner's Dictionary

guess

1 of 2

verb

ˈgɛs

guesses; guessed; guessing

: to form an opinion or give an answer about something when you do not know much or anything about it

Can you guess how many people were there?

He guessed that it would rain today.

It was colder and windier than I had guessed it would be.

She can only guess what he meant.

I'm guessing that she won't come. [=I don't think she'll come]

I never would have guessed [=I am very surprised] that you could be so selfish.

I had to choose one, and I guessed right/wrong.

If you can't think of an answer, guess.

"I just heard why he left her." "Let me guess—another woman."

As you might have guessed, her parents are not happy about her decision.

We can only guess at what really happened.

Note: Guess is used in phrases like guess what or guess who as an informal way of indicating that you have surprising news.

: to guess (something) correctly : to make a correct conclusion about (someone or something) by chance

She guessed my age on her first try.

It took us a while to guess the answer to the riddle.

Note: The phrase you guessed it is used as an informal way of saying that what follows is just what you would expect.

chiefly US, informal : to suppose or think (something)

—usually used following the pronoun I

I guess you're right.

I guess this means that we can't go.

What saved her, I guess [=I imagine], was her quick wit.

I guess you could say that it was all his fault.

Note: In responding to a question, the phrase I guess (so) is used as an informal way of agreeing or saying "yes" when you are not certain or not very excited or interested.

Note: The phrase I guess not is used as an informal way of agreeing with a negative statement or of saying "no."

guess

2 of 2

noun

plural guesses

: an attempt to give an opinion or answer about something when you do not know much about it or are not sure about it

I'm not sure how old he is, but I'm willing to hazard/venture a guess.

My guess is that he'll change his story when he realizes how much trouble he's in.

There might be about 20 people there, but that's just a (rough) guess.

If you don't know the answer, make a guess. = (US) If you don't know the answer, take a guess. = (chiefly Brit) If you don't know the answer, have a guess.

"How many people will be there?" "I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine." [=I don't know any more than you do]

"I have no idea how many peanuts are in the jar." "Take a wild guess." [=a guess based on no knowledge or information]

Note: An educated/informed guess is a guess that is probably close to being correct because it is based on some amount of knowledge.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Guess.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/guess. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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Simple Definition of guess

guess

verb

noun

Cite this Entry

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