conjecture
/kənˈd͡ʒɛk.t͡ʃə(ɹ)/noun
An opinion or conclusion based on guesswork rather than proof.
Example sentences
- “Whether the fire was accidental remains a matter of conjecture.”
- “Her theory began as conjecture but was later backed by data.”
In mathematics it is precise: an unproven statement, like the Goldbach conjecture. In everyday use it is simply educated guessing.