Surmise

Verb

Definition: To suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it.

Synonyms: Speculate, Guess, Infer

Antonyms: Confirm, Verify

Examples:

I surmise that she will decline the offer.
Based on the evidence, we can surmise that the suspect is guilty.

Mnemonics:

"Surmise" sounds like "assume" which also means to suppose something without evidence.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'tolerate, suffer'): from Old French surmettre, from Latin supermittere 'put in, insert'. The current sense dates from the late 16th century.

Historical Usage:

The word "surmise" originated from Old French and Latin, with its current sense being established in the late 16th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Surmise someone's intentions"

Explanation:

To make an educated guess about what someone is planning or intending to do.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "surmise" as a synonym for "conclude" or "determine".

Explanation:

Surmising is different from concluding or determining as it involves speculating without concrete evidence.