The phrase "wild guesses" is spelled with two common English digraphs. The first, "wi", is pronounced in IPA phonetic transcription as /waɪ/. This represents the same sound as the letter "y" and the word "why". The second digraph, "ld", represents the sound /ld/. This can be heard in words like "world" and "fold". Together, "wild" is pronounced /waɪld/. "Guesses" is spelled phonetically according to its pronunciation, with the "es" being pronounced as /əz/ to make the word /ˈɡɛsəz/.
Wild guesses refer to estimations or conjectures made without any factual basis or substantive evidence. They are characterized by their speculative and uncertain nature, often lacking in precision or accuracy. Wild guesses are typically intuitive or instinctive in nature, relying on a person's instincts or intuition rather than logical reasoning or informed judgment.
These guesses are often made when there is a lack of information or knowledge about a particular subject or problem. They are typically made out of desperation or the need to offer an opinion or solution, even if it is not well-grounded. Wild guesses can arise in various situations, such as when solving a complex problem, making predictions, or participating in a discussion without adequate understanding or expertise.
Due to their inherently unreliable nature, wild guesses are generally regarded as risky and unreliable. They may lead to incorrect conclusions or misguided actions, as they are not based on substantial evidence or logical reasoning. However, wild guesses can sometimes be a starting point for further investigation or problem-solving, as they can inspire new ideas or spark curiosity.
In summary, wild guesses are speculative estimations or conjectures made without factual basis or substantive evidence. They are characterized by their uncertainty, lack of precision, and intuitive nature. While they may serve as a starting point, they are generally considered unreliable and risky in guiding decision-making or problem-solving processes.
The word "wild" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled "wilde". It can be traced further to the Proto-Germanic word "wīlan", which means "to wish or desire". Over time, the meaning of "wild" evolved to encompass ideas of untamed or untamed behavior, unrestrained or unpredictable actions, or general lack of control.
The term "guess" originated from Old English as well, where it was spelled "gæs", meaning "an assumption or estimation". This Old English word comes from the Old Norse word "giz", which has a similar meaning.
The phrase "wild guesses" combines these two words to depict assumptions or estimations that are unrestrained, untamed, or lacking control. It suggests that these guesses are not based on sound reasoning or evidence, but rather on impulsive or uninformed speculation.