guess

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 ~ (at sth) to try and give an answer or make a judgement about sth without being sure of all the facts: [V] I don't really know. I'm just guessing. * We can only guess at her reasons for leaving. * He guessed right / wrong. * [V(that)] I'd guess that she's about 30. * [Vwh-] Can you guess where I've been? * [VN] Can you guess his age? 2 to find the right answer to a question or the truth without knowing all the facts: [VN] She guessed the answer straight away. * [Vwh-] You'll never guess what she told me. * [V(that)] You would never guess (that) she had problems. She's always so cheerful. seealsoSECOND-GUESS 3 (I guess) (informal, especially AmE) to suppose that sth is true or likely: [V(that)] I guess (that) you'll be looking for a new job now. * 'He didn't see me, I guess.' * I guess I'm just lucky. 4 (guess...!) used to show that you are going to say sth surprising or exciting: [VN] Guess what! He's asked me out! * [Vwh-] Guess who I've just seen! IDIOMS keep sb guessing (informal) to not tell sb about your plans or what is going to happen next: It's the kind of book that keeps you guessing right to the end. noun ~ (about sth)