ENGLISH
REFERENCE

guessed

v.
A2 Elementary US //ˈɡɛst// UK //ɡˈɛst// guessed

v. to give an answer or opinion when you are not 100% sure of the facts. You use this when you are trying to find the right answer by using the information you have.

v. to form an estimate or conclusion without sufficient information to be certain of its accuracy. This is the past tense and past participle form of 'guess'.


SIMPLE

I guessed the answer and I was right.

CONTEXTUAL

She guessed his age correctly even though they had only just met for the first time.

COMPLEX

The detective guessed the suspect's motive based on a few small clues, but he needed more physical evidence before he could make a formal arrest.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and can take a direct object, a 'that' clause, or a wh-clause.

© 2026 English Reference