German word

mutmaßen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmuːtˌmaːsn̩/

Meaning

  • verbguess

Example

Ich mutmaße, dass er es schon weiß.

I guess he already knows it.

Illustration for mutmaßen (guess)

More examples

Wir mutmaßen über die Ursachen des Fehlers.

We guess at the causes of the error.

Core concept

A tentative conclusion balances on evidence instead of resting on confirmed fact.

Common phrases

  • mutmaßen, dass

    guess that

  • über etwas mutmaßen

    guess at ___

Similar words

vermuten: Regard something as probable without firm proof.
annehmen: Assume something temporarily to guide further thought.
schätzen: Approximate an amount or degree using indirect clues.
spekulieren: Develop possibilities or theories despite weak evidence.

Definition in German

Etwas als wahrscheinlich annehmen, weil Hinweise dafür vorliegen, aber keine sichere Feststellung treffen.

Word origin

German inherited mutmaßen from Middle High German muotmazen, whose elements refer to an opinion and to measuring or estimating.

Usage tips

  • Mutmaßen is more formal and often more cautious than everyday vermuten, especially when a conclusion rests on incomplete evidence.

Other meanings

  • speculateverb
  • surmiseverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word