Pronunciation: [ɡˈɛs at] (IPA) 
The word "guess at" is a combination of two words: "guess" and "at". The "g" in "guess" is pronounced as /ɡ/, while the "u" is pronounced as /ɛ/ like "eh". The double "s" is pronounced as /s/, and the final "s" is /z/. The "a" in "at" is pronounced as /æ/ like "cat". Together, the pronunciation of "guess at" is /ɡɛs æt/. The spelling of this word accurately reflects its phonetic pronunciation.
To "guess at" is a phrasal verb that refers to making an estimation or conjecture about something without having definite or precise information. When one "guesses at" something, they are attempting to provide an answer or explanation based on their intuition, limited knowledge, or personal judgment.
This phrase denotes a subjective approach where the person acknowledges their lack of complete or accurate information but still ventures to provide an approximate solution or response. The act of guessing at something implies a degree of uncertainty or likelihood of being mistaken due to the absence of concrete evidence or facts.
"Guessing at" often takes place in situations when there is no clear or readily available answer, requiring one to speculate or make an educated assumption. This can occur in various contexts, such as solving a riddle, predicting an outcome, estimating a measurement, or even interpreting someone's actions or intentions without direct communication.
It's important to note that "guessing at" something is not intended to be a definitive or authoritative conclusion but rather an attempt to bridge the gap between unknown information and a response. The term conveys a sense of approximation and speculation, providing a starting point from which further investigation or verification can be pursued.
The expression "guess at" consists of two parts: "guess" and "at".
The word "guess" originated in the mid-14th century and comes from the Old Norse word "geisa", meaning "to guess, suppose, or think". It later evolved into the Middle English word "gessen".
The word "at" has its roots in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "at". It essentially denotes direction or motion towards something.
When combined, "guess at" implies the act of making an estimation or forming an opinion without having specific information or complete certainty.
