Guess vs. Assume: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A guess is an attempt to provide an answer without sufficient information or certainty, while to assume is to accept something as true without proof or on the basis of probability.
Key Differences
Guessing involves making a conjecture or prediction when uncertain or lacking information, relying often on intuition or incomplete data. Assuming, in contrast, is accepting something as true or likely without definitive proof, often based on existing knowledge or likelihoods.
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Dec 03, 2023
A guess is typically used in situations where there is a lack of information and the outcome is uncertain, such as guessing the answer to a question. To assume is to take something for granted as a starting point, like assuming a fact for the purpose of argument or decision-making.
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Dec 03, 2023
Guessing can be seen as a spontaneous or casual act, often used in informal contexts or games. Assuming is more deliberate, used in reasoning or planning, where a premise is accepted to explore its consequences or implications.
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Dec 03, 2023
In guessing, there is often an acknowledgment of uncertainty or risk of inaccuracy. In assuming, there is a subtle implication of confidence or acceptance, even if it’s without solid evidence.
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Dec 03, 2023
The accuracy of a guess can be variable and is often tested through further inquiry or outcomes. An assumption, though unproven, is generally treated as a working hypothesis and may be used as a foundation for further analysis or action.
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Dec 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Intuition or incomplete information
Acceptance without definitive proof
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Dec 03, 2023
Outcome Testing
Verified through outcomes
Used as a basis for further action
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Dec 03, 2023
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Guess and Assume Definitions
Guess
A guess is a spontaneous answer without full information.
I had to guess the answer to the quiz question.
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Nov 25, 2023
Assume
To assume is to accept something as true without proof.
He assumed she would be at the party.
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Nov 25, 2023
Guess
A guess is often based on intuition or feeling.
She guessed the secret ingredient in the recipe.
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Nov 25, 2023
Assume
Assuming involves taking something for granted.
We must assume good intent in this discussion.
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Nov 25, 2023
Guess
A guess can be a tentative hypothesis.
My guess is that the meeting will end early.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Assume
To assume is to adopt a belief as a premise.
She assumed responsibility for the project's success.
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Guess
Guessing involves predicting uncertain outcomes.
He guessed the result of the game.
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Nov 25, 2023
Assume
To take for granted; suppose
The study assumes that prices will rise.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take upon oneself (a duty or obligation)
Assume responsibility.
Assume another's debts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To assume, presume, or assert (a fact) without sufficient information.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take on (an appearance, role, or form, for example); adopt
"The god assumes a human form" (John Ruskin).
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To make a supposition; suppose or believe
"Is Kay's husband coming to dinner too?" "I assume so.".
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To authenticate by means of belief; to surmise; to suppose to be true, especially without proof
We assume that, as her parents were dentists, she knows quite a bit about dentistry.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To solve by a correct conjecture; to conjecture rightly.
He who guesses the riddle shall have the ring.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take on a position, duty or form
Mr. Jones will assume the position of a lifeguard until a proper replacement is found.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To suppose (introducing a proposition of uncertain plausibility).
That album is quite hard to find, but I guess you could try ordering it online.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To adopt a feigned quality or manner; to claim without right; to arrogate
He assumed an air of indifference
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
(colloquial) To think, conclude, or decide (without a connotation of uncertainty). Usually in first person: "I guess".
"I guess you were right." "What did he say?" "He guesses you were right."
"I guess I'll go to bed."
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
A prediction about the outcome of something, typically made without factual evidence or support.
If you don't know the answer, take a guess.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take to or upon one's self; to take formally and demonstratively; sometimes, to appropriate or take unjustly.
Trembling they stand while Jove assumes the throne.
The god assumed his native form again.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To form an opinion concerning, without knowledge or means of knowledge; to judge of at random; to conjecture.
First, if thou canst, the harder reason guess.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively.
The consequences of assumed principles.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To judge or form an opinion of, from reasons that seem preponderating, but are not decisive.
We may then guess how far it was from his design.
Of ambushed men, whom, by their arms and dress,To be Taxallan enemies I guess.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To pretend to possess; to take in appearance.
Ambition assuming the mask of religion.
Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To solve by a correct conjecture; to conjecture rightly; as, he who guesses the riddle shall have the ring; he has guessed my designs.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
To receive or adopt.
The sixth was a young knight of lesser renown and lower rank, assumed into that honorable company.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To hit upon or reproduce by memory.
Tell me their words, as near as thou canst guess them.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To think; to suppose; to believe; to imagine; - followed by an objective clause.
Not all together; better far, I guess,That we do make our entrance several ways.
But in known images of life I guessThe labor greater.
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
To make a guess or random judgment; to conjecture; - with at, about, etc.
This is the place, as well as I may guess.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof;
I assume his train was late
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
An opinion as to anything, formed without sufficient or decisive evidence or grounds; an attempt to hit upon the truth by a random judgment; a conjecture; a surmise.
A poet must confessHis art 's like physic - but a happy guess.
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities;
When will the new President assume office?
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Assume
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
He adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
I'll accept the charges
She agreed to bear the responsibility
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
Expect, believe, or suppose;
I imagine she earned a lot of money with her new novel
I thought to find her in a bad state
He didn't think to find her in the kitchen
I guess she is angry at me for standing her up
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Occupy or take on;
He assumes the lotus position
She took her seat on the stage
We took our seats in the orchestra
She took up her position behind the tree
Strike a pose
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
Put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation;
I am guessing that the price of real estate will rise again
I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession;
He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town
He usurped my rights
She seized control of the throne after her husband died
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
Judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time);
I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Make a pretence of;
She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger
He feigned sleep
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
Guess correctly; solve by guessing;
He guessed the right number of beans in the jar and won the prize
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
Christianity, obsolete; take up someone's soul into heaven;
This is the day when May was assumed into heaven
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Oct 19, 2023
Guess
Guessing can be a casual, informal act.
We played a game where everyone had to guess the word.
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Nov 25, 2023
Assume
Put clothing on one's body;
What should I wear today?
He put on his best suit for the wedding
The princess donned a long blue dress
The queen assumed the stately robes
He got into his jeans
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Oct 19, 2023
Assume
An assumption can be a starting point for reasoning.
Let's assume the data is accurate for our analysis.
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Nov 25, 2023
Assume
Assuming often implies confidence in the belief.
I assume you'll be joining us for dinner.
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Nov 25, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does it mean to assume something?
To assume something means accepting it as true or likely without requiring proof.
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Dec 03, 2023
What does it mean to make a guess?
Making a guess means providing an answer or prediction without full certainty or information.
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Dec 03, 2023
When do we typically guess?
We typically guess in situations of uncertainty or when lacking complete information.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is guessing always accurate?
Guessing is not always accurate; it often involves a degree of uncertainty.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can assumptions be wrong?
Yes, assumptions can be wrong as they are accepted without definitive proof.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can a guess turn out to be correct?
Yes, a guess can turn out to be correct, but this may be more due to chance or intuition.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is a guess based on evidence?
A guess is not usually based on solid evidence; it’s often more intuitive or speculative.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is an assumption based on evidence?
An assumption might be informed by some evidence or likelihood, but it doesn’t require proof.
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Dec 03, 2023
How do you validate an assumption?
An assumption is validated by testing it against evidence or through logical reasoning.
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Dec 03, 2023
What is a wild guess?
A wild guess is a speculative guess made with very little or no basis in information or evidence.
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Dec 03, 2023
Are assumptions necessary in reasoning?
Yes, assumptions are often necessary as starting points or premises in reasoning and analysis.
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Dec 03, 2023
Do guesses have a role in scientific research?
In scientific research, guesses might serve as initial hypotheses to be tested.
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Dec 03, 2023
When do we typically assume?
We typically assume when we accept something as a given without needing proof, often in reasoning or planning.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is guessing a part of decision-making?
Guessing can be a part of decision-making, especially when complete information is unavailable.
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Dec 03, 2023
What is a safe assumption?
A safe assumption is one that is widely accepted and highly likely to be true based on existing knowledge.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can a guess be educated?
Yes, a guess can be educated if it’s informed by some knowledge or partial information.
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Dec 03, 2023
How do you validate a guess?
A guess can be validated by obtaining more information or seeing if the prediction comes true.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can assumptions lead to errors?
Yes, assumptions can lead to errors if they are incorrect or not properly questioned.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is assuming a part of decision-making?
Yes, assuming is often a part of decision-making, used to establish premises or likely scenarios.
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Dec 03, 2023
Do assumptions have a role in scientific research?
Assumptions are used in scientific research as foundational premises for testing and exploration.
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Dec 03, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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