Definitions for: Surmise


[n] a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
[v] infer from incomplete evidence
[v] imagine to be the case or true or probable; "I suspect he is a fugitive"; "I surmised that the butler did it"



Webster (1913) Definition: Sur*mise", n. [OF. surmise accusation, fr. surmettre,
p. p. surmis, to impose, accuse; sur (see Sur-) + mettre to
put, set, L. mittere to send. See Mission.]
1. A thought, imagination, or conjecture, which is based upon
feeble or scanty evidence; suspicion; guess; as, the
surmisses of jealousy or of envy.

[We] double honor gain From his surmise proved
false. --Milton.

No man ought to be charged with principles he
actually disowns, unless his practicies contradict
his profession; not upon small surmises. --Swift.

2. Reflection; thought. [Obs.] --Shak.

Syn: Conjecture; supposition; suspicion; doubt.


Sur*mise", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surmised; p. pr. &
vb. n. Surmising.]
To imagine without certain knowledge; to infer on slight
grounds; to suppose, conjecture, or suspect; to guess.

It wafted nearer yet, and then she knew That what
before she but surmised, was true. --Dryden.

This change was not wrought by altering the form or
position of the earth, as was surmised by a very
learned man, but by dissolving it. --Woodward.

Synonyms: conjecture, guess, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmisal, suspect

See Also: deduce, deduct, derive, guess, hazard, infer, opinion, venture, view

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