guessing

7 definitions • 19 examples

present participle of

to give an answer to a particular question when you do not have all the facts and so cannot be certain if you are correct:

I didn't know the answer, so I had to guess.

guess right/wrong On the last question, she guessed right/wrong.

[ + question word ] Guess when this was built.

[ + (that) ] I guessed (that) she was your sister.

She asked me to guess her age.

guess something to be something I guessed the total amount to be about £50,000.

to give the correct answer or make the correct judgment:

[ + question word ] I bet you can't guess how old he is.

She guessed the answer on her first try.

"You have a new job, don't you?" "Yes, how did you guess?"

used before telling someone something interesting or surprising:

Guess what? We won the game 4–0.

used when you believe something is true or likely but are not certain:

[ + (that) ] I guess (that) things are pretty hard for you now.

I guess I should start looking for a lawyer.

It's been four or five weeks, I guess, since I last spoke to her.

I guess most people know about their breakup by now.

"Do you like sushi?" "I guess? I've only had it once."

used to show agreement, but not very strong agreement:

That would be okay, I guess.

I stand corrected, I guess.

used to say what you are probably going to do:

I guess I'd better get dressed.

I'll ask the teacher in the morning I guess.