Surmised

Surmised (verb, past tense of surmise) means to suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it. It involves forming an opinion or conjecture based on incomplete information, intuition, or a hunch. The process of surmising often entails interpreting available clues and drawing a conclusion, even if that conclusion remains uncertain. It suggests a tentative judgment rather than a definitive conclusion, acknowledging the possibility of being incorrect. A surmise is often rooted in observation, reasoning, or speculation, allowing a person to reach an understanding of a situation despite a lack of complete data, often involving reading between the lines and guessing from indications.

Surmised meaning with examples

• After observing the flickering lights and hushed voices, Detective Miller Surmised that a clandestine meeting was taking place. He had no concrete proof, just a feeling born from past experience. The lack of open activity in the usual meeting place fueled his surmise, making him believe something was not quite as it seemed. This gut feeling led him to investigate further.
• Reading the cryptic email, Sarah Surmised that her boss was unhappy with her performance. The tone, absent of usual friendly notes, gave her pause. The lack of specific complaints left her with several options to consider, she could try and gather additional information, but was likely working from a place of imagination. Her surmise was ultimately self-driven and could be wrong.
• Based on the abandoned vehicle and footprints leading into the woods, the search team Surmised that the missing hiker had ventured deeper into the wilderness than expected. The clues pointed in this direction; they could be correct but did not provide sufficient confirmation. The evidence was not conclusive, but the team used their past experiences to come up with their thoughts on the hiker's last moments.
• Given the dramatic changes in the stock market, the financial analyst Surmised that a major economic shift was imminent. Without hard facts to prove such a case, this was an estimation that carried much risk. His intuition, combined with his knowledge of economic cycles, led him to this conclusion, even before official announcements.