Langimage
English

surmise

|sur/mise|

C1

🇺🇸

/sərˈmaɪz/

🇬🇧

/səˈmaɪz/

guess without evidence

Etymology
Etymology Information

'surmise' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'surmis,' where 'sur-' meant 'upon' and 'mettre' meant 'to put.'

Historical Evolution

'surmis' transformed into the English word 'surmise' during the late Middle English period.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to accuse or charge,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to suppose or guess.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a supposition that something may be true, even though there is no evidence to confirm it.

His surmise was correct.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to suppose something is true without having evidence to confirm it.

She surmised that he was not telling the truth.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35