Definition

A person who makes an assumption or guess based on limited information.

Example

As a surmiser, she often made predictions without having all the facts.

Conversation

Have you ever been called a surmiser?

Not really, but I sometimes make guesses about things.

Yeah, it's interesting how some people just assume things without proof.

Exactly! Being a surmiser can lead to funny misunderstandings.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Surmiser is derived from the Old French 'surmiser', which means to suppose or to conjecture. The prefix 'sur-' (meaning over or above) combined with 'miser' (from Latin 'mittere', meaning to send) suggests the act of sending forth an idea or assumption beyond what is known. Thus, surmiser refers to the act of making an assumption or conjecture based on limited information.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sending forth' an idea ('miser') that goes 'beyond' what is known ('sur-') — that's how surmiser means to suppose or conjecture.

Visually Confused Words