The phrase "rough guesses" is spelled with the /r/ sound at the beginning, followed by the diphthong /aʊ/ in "ough." This is then followed by the voiceless fricative /f/ and the palatal approximant /j/ in "guesses." The spelling of the word "rough" can be confusing because it has multiple pronunciations, but in this case, it is pronounced like "ruff." The word "guesses" is spelled as it sounds, with the voiced fricative /z/ at the end. Together, these sounds create the phrase "rough guesses."
The term "rough guesses" refers to estimations or approximations made without precision or careful calculation. It denotes an inference or opinion formed based on limited or incomplete information, often lacking accuracy or certainty. When making rough guesses, individuals rely on their intuition, general knowledge, or a loose understanding of the subject matter rather than relying on concrete facts and data.
The term "rough" in this context implies that the estimated values or predictions are likely to be imprecise or approximate. It suggests a level of uncertainty or lack of meticulousness in the process of arriving at these guesses. Rough guesses are commonly used in situations where there is either limited time or resources available to conduct a thorough analysis or investigation.
Generally, rough guesses are not considered as reliable or definitive as they may be subject to bias, subjective judgment, or oversimplifications. They are often used as an initial step or a starting point when further information or analysis is required to obtain more accurate outcomes or conclusions.
It is important to keep in mind that rough guesses should be treated as provisional and subjected to further scrutiny or validation when circumstances allow. They serve as temporary solutions or approximations until more refined or precise calculations, measurements, or investigations can be carried out.
The term "rough guesses" is composed of two separate words: "rough" and "guesses".
The word "rough" originated from the Old English word "ruh" or "rough", which meant "coarse or uneven in texture or surface". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "rukhaz" and the Proto-Indo-European word "reugh", meaning "hairy" or "shaggy".
On the other hand, the word "guesses" derives from the Old English verb "gǣsan" or "gǣsan", which meant "to think, suppose, or estimate". It shares a common root with the Old High German word "gissōn" and the Old Norse word "gizha", both of which also referred to guessing or supposing.