Guess vs. Predict: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A guess is an attempt to answer or decide something without sufficient information or knowledge, while predict involves making an informed forecast or projection based on evidence or trends.
Key Differences
Guess typically implies a spontaneous or casual conjecture without solid evidence or information. It's often used in situations where one lacks knowledge but still attempts to provide an answer. Predict, conversely, implies a more informed or reasoned forecast based on available data, patterns, or evidence. It involves using information to make projections about future events or outcomes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
The act of making a guess often relies more on intuition or chance rather than on systematic analysis. It's common in everyday language and casual scenarios, like guessing the outcome of a game. On the other hand, to predict is more analytical, often used in scientific, economic, or technical contexts where data and trends are analyzed to forecast future occurrences.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
While a guess can be about anything and doesn't require a basis in fact or research, predict usually pertains to specific areas where prior knowledge or information can be applied to anticipate future events. Predictions are commonly made in weather forecasting, stock market analysis, and scientific research.
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Nov 29, 2023
The reliability of a guess is generally lower since it's not typically based on data or evidence. It's more akin to speculation. In contrast, a prediction is generally more reliable when it is based on thorough analysis and sound evidence, although it's still subject to uncertainties.
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Nov 29, 2023
Guesses are often personal, subjective, and vary greatly between individuals. Predictions, while not foolproof, tend to be more objective, relying on shared data and methodologies that can be tested and validated.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Intuition or chance, without solid evidence.
Information, data, and trends.
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Reliability
Generally lower, more speculative.
More reliable when based on analysis.
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Nov 29, 2023
Usage
Common in informal settings.
Used in formal and professional contexts.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Guess and Predict Definitions
Guess
To estimate or suppose without sufficient information.
I guess he’s around 30 years old.
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Nov 29, 2023
Predict
To declare or indicate in advance based on observation, experience, or scientific reason.
The meteorologist predicts sunny weather for the weekend.
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Nov 29, 2023
Guess
To form an opinion with little to no evidence.
She had to guess the password to access the computer.
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Nov 29, 2023
Predict
To use evidence to anticipate an outcome.
Based on the symptoms, the doctor predicted a swift recovery.
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Nov 29, 2023
Guess
A conjecture or assumption.
It's just a guess, but I think the meeting will be short.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Predict
To make an educated guess about the future.
She predicted that the team would win the championship.
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Predict
To foretell based on trends or patterns.
The algorithm predicts consumer behavior accurately.
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Nov 29, 2023
Guess
To assume, presume, or assert (a fact) without sufficient information.
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Oct 19, 2023
Predict
To state, tell about, or make known in advance, especially on the basis of special knowledge
Predicted an active hurricane season because of warmer ocean-surface temperatures.
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Oct 19, 2023
Predict
(transitive) To make a prediction: to forecast, foretell, or estimate a future event on the basis of knowledge and reasoning; to prophesy a future event on the basis of mystical knowledge or power.
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Oct 19, 2023
Predict
To direct a ranged weapon against a target by means of a predictor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Predict
To tell or declare beforehand; to foretell; to prophesy; to presage; as, to predict misfortune; to predict the return of a comet.
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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
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
Predict
Make a prediction about; tell in advance;
Call the outcome of an election
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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
Predict
To forecast future events or trends from current data.
Economists predict a rise in inflation.
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Nov 29, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Guess
A spontaneous answer when unsure.
My guess for the quiz question was incorrect.
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Nov 29, 2023
Guess
To predict haphazardly or without confidence.
He guessed that it might rain later.
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Nov 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a guess?
An attempt to answer or decide something without full information.
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Nov 29, 2023
What does predict mean?
Making an informed forecast about future events based on data or trends.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is guessing common in daily life?
Yes, people often make guesses in casual conversations.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are predictions always correct?
No, but they are generally more reliable than guesses.
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Nov 29, 2023
In what fields is prediction used?
In scientific research, economics, meteorology, etc.
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Nov 29, 2023
What forms the basis of a prediction?
Data analysis, trends, and empirical evidence.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is a guess just a hunch?
Yes, it's similar to a hunch or a speculative thought.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are financial forecasts guesses?
No, they are predictions based on market analysis.
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Nov 29, 2023
Does a guess require expertise?
Not necessarily, as it's often based on intuition.
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Nov 29, 2023
Do predictions involve intuition?
They can, but they’re mostly based on analytical methods.
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Nov 29, 2023
How reliable is a casual guess?
It varies, but it's generally not very reliable.
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Nov 29, 2023
How do companies use predictions?
For strategic planning, market analysis, and risk management.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can anyone make a guess?
Yes, guessing doesn't require specialized knowledge.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are weather forecasts always accurate?
They can be inaccurate due to the complexity of weather patterns.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is predicting a skill?
Yes, especially in professional contexts, it requires skill and knowledge.
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Nov 29, 2023
Do people often guess in games?
Yes, guessing is a common element in many games.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is a guess based on evidence?
Not usually; it's more spontaneous and less informed.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 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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