surmise
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “surmise” mean?
verb.to suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it.
SAT Usage
this verb is often found in passages related to reasoning, investigation, or literary analysis, suggesting a conclusion drawn from incomplete information. It emphasizes a more tentative and speculative thought process, differentiating it from words like "confirm," which imply certainty based on evidence.
Common Confusions
Surmise implies forming a judgment based on incomplete evidence, while infer usually suggests drawing a logical conclusion from presented facts or data.
Do not choose surmise if the context emphasizes certainty or proof rather than supposing that something is true without having evidence to confirm it.
Example Sentences
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From the empty drawer, she surmised that someone had been there.
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The committee needed to surmise the proposal before making a final decision.