推测 means 'to infer' or 'to deduce' — forming a conclusion based on available evidence, reasoning, or indirect clues rather than direct observation or confirmation. The character 推 (tuī) carries the sense of 'pushing forward' or 'projecting', while 测 (cè) means 'to measure' or 'to gauge'. Together, they evoke the mental process of projecting a likely explanation from limited data — like piecing together a puzzle. This word is common in academic, scientific, medical, and investigative contexts where certainty is unavailable but reasoned judgment is needed.

It functions as a transitive verb and typically appears with an object (e.g., 推测原因, 推测结果). It often appears in formal writing and speech, though it’s also used in everyday conversation when speculating thoughtfully — for example, guessing why someone is late or what a symptom might indicate. Unlike casual guesses (e.g., 猜), 推测 implies a degree of logical support or background knowledge behind the conclusion.