What is guess? Pronunciation and usage in English

guess means . Learn how to pronounce and use guess through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of guess

guessverb

/ɡɛs/
Definition & pronunciation of guess

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "guess." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ɡɛs (pronounced like "guess" as in a quick estimate)

Let's break that down further:

  • ɡ: This is a hard "g" sound, like in "go" or "gate." It's a guttural sound – you make it with the back of your tongue.
  • ɛ: This is a short "e" sound, like in "bed" or "red." It's a relaxed "e" sound.
  • s: A simple "s" sound, as in "sun."

Here's a way to hear it:

Common Mistakes and Why They're Wrong:

  • "ghees" (like cheese): This is a very common mistake! Don't use the "ee" sound like in "cheese."
  • "gus": This is too short and doesn't include the "ess" sound.

Tips for Practice:

  1. Focus on the "ɡ" sound: Try making the back of your tongue touch the roof of your mouth.
  2. Keep the "e" short and relaxed: Don’t over-emphasize it.
  3. Practice with the "s" sound: Say "sun" slowly several times.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "guess"?
  • Provide a phonetic transcription (using symbols)?

Usage and examples with the word guess in English

Let's break down how to use the word "guess" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to use it. Here's a detailed explanation, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (To Estimate or Form a Conjecture):

  • Meaning: This is the most common use. It means to form an opinion or idea about something without having definite knowledge. It's essentially a guess.
  • Examples:
    • "I guess I'll go to the party." (Making a decision without being sure)
    • "Do you guess what happened?" (Asking someone to try and figure something out)
    • "I guess it will rain tomorrow." (Forming a belief based on limited information)
    • "Let's guess the number." (Playing a game of guessing)
    • "I guess he's feeling a little down today." (Making an inference about someone’s emotions)

2. As a Verb (To Try to Find Out):

  • Meaning: Sometimes "guess" is used to try to find out something, usually by asking or investigating. This is more informal.
  • Examples:
    • "I guess I'll call him and see if he's free." (Trying to find out his availability)
    • “I guess I’ll look it up in the dictionary.” (Attempting to discover the meaning)

3. As a Noun (A Conjecture or Estimate):

  • Meaning: As a noun, "guess" refers to the act of guessing, or the result of a guess.
  • Examples:
    • "He made a guess about the answer." (The act of trying to figure it out)
    • "I don't know what the guess was." (The attempted solution/answer)

4. Phrases Using "Guess":

  • "I'd guess..." / "I'd reckon...": These are very common ways to express a tentative estimate. (Similar to "I'd estimate...")
    • "I'd guess it'll cost around $50."
  • "You can guess the rest.": Meaning the story or situation continues in a predictable way.
  • "Guess what!": An exclamation used to share exciting news.
  • "Guesswork": (Noun) Speculation or conjecture based on little information. "His decisions were based purely on guesswork."

5. Level of Formality:

  • Informal: "Guess" is generally considered casual. You'd typically use it with friends, family, or in relaxed conversations.
  • Formal: In formal writing or speech, you’d usually avoid "guess" and opt for more precise words like “estimate,” “suppose,” “believe,” or "conjecture."

Tips for Using "Guess" Correctly:

  • It's often followed by "that": "I guess that it will rain."
  • Use qualifying words to show uncertainty: "I think I guess it will rain" or "I'm just guessing."
  • Be mindful of the context. Consider the situation and your audience to determine whether "guess" is appropriate.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of "guess" in different contexts?
  • Focus on a specific usage (e.g., using "guess" in different tenses)?
  • Compare "guess" with similar words (e.g., "assume," "believe," "estimate")?

Synonyms for the word guess

Idioms of the word guess

keep somebody guessing
(informal)to not tell somebody about your plans or what is going to happen next
  • It's the kind of book that keeps you guessing right to the end.

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