What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guessed
Example
I guessed that she was around 30 years old. [guessed: past tense]
Example
He guessed the answer to the question, but he wasn't sure. [guessed: verb]
surmise
Example
Based on his behavior, I can only surmise that he's upset. [surmise: verb]
Example
Her surmise about the situation turned out to be correct. [surmise: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guessed is more commonly used than surmise in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guessed and surmise?
Surmise is more formal than guessed and can be used in more professional or academic contexts.
