Literary notes about conjecture (AI summary)
The term “conjecture” in literature serves as a marker of speculative thought and interpretative uncertainty. In historical and analytical works, it is employed to acknowledge gaps in concrete evidence and to construct plausible theories about past events or textual meanings, as seen in discussions that underline tentative reasoning [1, 2]. In narrative fiction, the word portrays characters’ reflective uncertainty about future events or their personal predicaments, lending a layer of introspective ambiguity to the storytelling [3, 4]. Moreover, in scholarly debates surrounding ancient texts or linguistic puzzles, the use of “conjecture” emphasizes a continued process of questioning and refinement, highlighting the fluid boundary between fact and interpretation [5, 6].
- Every misfortune was exaggerated in dark and doubtful hints; and the future designs of the rebels became the subject of anxious conjecture.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - Godefroy has made a much more happy conjecture, supported by all the historical circumstances which relate to this edict.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - He meant to resign his commission immediately; and as to his future situation, he could conjecture very little about it.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - In short, I could learn nothing but that she was gone; all the rest, for eight long months, was left to conjecture.
— from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - [110] Meineke’s conjecture is followed, λίπα ἀληλιμμένοι, for ἀπαληλιμμένοι.
— from The Geography of Strabo, Volume 3 (of 3) by Strabo - [1] For ‘ lifigende ’ (2063), a mere conjecture, ‘ wígende ’ has been suggested.
— from Beowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem
