# surmised

/sɝˈmaɪzd/ (US) · /səmˈaɪzd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/surmised
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to guess that something is true without having clear proof. You use this when you put small clues together in your mind.

For teachers: the past tense of 'surmise'; to infer or suppose something to be true without conclusive evidence.

## Examples

- I surmise she wants to leave early today.
- The doctor surmised from the symptoms that he had the flu and ordered a test to confirm it.
- From the scattered letters on the desk, she surmised that her grandfather had planned a journey he never discussed with anyone in the family.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and commonly takes a direct object or a 'that'-clause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.