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conjecture

noun

/kənˈdʒɛktʃə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of conjecture

A statement or hypothesis that is put forward as a possible explanation or solution, but has not yet been proven to be true.
"The journalist's article was full of conjecture and rumors, but lacked any factual basis."

Detailed meaning of conjecture

It is an idea or theory that is proposed based on limited evidence or information and is subject to further investigation or testing. Conjectures are often used in mathematics, science, and other fields to make predictions, generate new ideas, or explain patterns or phenomena. They are different from a proven statement called a theorem, but can be used as a starting point for more extensive research.

For example, in mathematics, a conjecture is an unproven statement that is believed to be true based on numerical evidence or theoretical reasoning. Famous examples include the Goldbach Conjecture, which states that every even integer greater than two can be written as the sum of two prime numbers, and the Riemann Hypothesis, which proposes a pattern for the distribution of prime numbers. These statements have yet to be proven, but are actively being researched.

In general, conjecture is a tool for making sense of the world and opening up new lines of inquiry. Even if a conjecture is eventually disproven, the process of testing it can lead to new discoveries and insights.

Example sentences containing conjecture

1. The scientist presented her conjecture about the origins of the universe.
2. The mathematician's conjecture remained unproven for many years.
3. The detective's theory was based on mere conjecture and lacked evidence.
4. The professor encouraged the students to challenge existing conjectures in the field.
5. The archaeologist's conjecture about the ancient civilization was met with skepticism.
6. The journalist wrote an article discussing various conjectures about the upcoming election.

History and etymology of conjecture

The noun 'conjecture' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'conjectura,' which is formed from 'con' (together) and 'jacere' (to throw or cast). The term 'conjecture' literally means 'to throw together' or 'to infer from throwing together.' In its original sense, it referred to making conclusions or predictions based on the act of 'throwing together' various pieces of information, ideas, or evidence. Over time, 'conjecture' came to describe a statement or hypothesis that is put forward as a possible explanation or solution, but one that has not yet been proven to be true through empirical evidence. It embodies the notion of making educated guesses or inferences based on available information, often highlighting the speculative nature of such statements. The etymology of 'conjecture' underscores its historical association with the process of making reasoned guesses or inferences when concrete evidence is lacking.

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Further usage examples of conjecture

1. The novel was filled with intriguing conjectures about time travel and parallel universes.
2. The philosopher pondered deep conjectures about the nature of consciousness.
3. The historical researcher's conjecture about the lost city led to an exciting expedition.
4. The economist's conjecture about the market trends turned out to be accurate.
5. The astronomers presented their conjecture about the existence of dark matter.
6. The literary critic offered a thought-provoking conjecture about the author's intentions.
7. The scientist's conjecture was supported by experimental data and rigorous analysis.
8. The mathematician's conjecture challenged established theorems in the field of geometry.
9. The jury deliberated over the conjecture of the defendant's guilt.
10. The physicist's conjecture about the behavior of subatomic particles was groundbreaking.
11. The historian's conjecture shed new light on a mysterious event in ancient history.
12. The art critic's conjecture about the hidden symbolism in the painting sparked debate.
13. The linguist's conjecture about the origins of language was met with intrigue.
14. The scientist's theory was based on mere conjecture and lacked evidence.
15. The historian presented a new conjecture about the origins of the ancient civilization.
16. The detective's investigation was based on conjecture until he found concrete evidence.
17. The mathematician's conjecture proved to be true after years of research and testing.
18. The philosopher's conjecture about the nature of reality was debated by scholars for centuries.
19. The archaeologist's conjecture about the purpose of the ancient ruins was confirmed by a recent discovery.
20. The literary critic's conjecture about the author's intentions in the novel sparked a lively debate.
21. The linguist's conjecture about the evolution of language was groundbreaking in the field.
22. The physicist's conjecture about the existence of dark matter is still being studied and debated.
23. The economist's conjecture about the future of the stock market proved to be accurate.
24. The meteorologist's conjecture about the path of the hurricane helped people prepare and stay safe.