Learn English – What does “educated” mean in “educated guess”
meaning
Make an educated guess.
What is the meaning of educated in the sentence?
Best Answer
An educated guess is a guess in which you take into account factors which might affect the outcome using reason. It is a term used to clarify that a guess is not one which is made “off the top of your head”—that is, guessing the first possibility that comes to mind—but rather one which, although it is still a guess, is generated by considering multiple possibilities and selecting the one thought most likely by considering those factors that a reasonable person might assume will affect the outcome.
Similarities:
The following phrases share semantics (in appropriate context):
informed guess,
educated guess,
ballpark figure,
conjecture,
estimation,
guesstimate,
guess,
which are all listed as (potential) synonyms for approximation.
Differences: (emphasized, in every day use these are very subtle if present at all)
Educated guess, presumes established competency (formal or informal) in the field in which the guess is made.
Informed guess, I think, is typically used when the one who is making a guess got informed through a specific action. For example in such cases as after briefing, examination, interrogation or an interview.
Often the distinction is not made, because it can be said that in an ordinary context one can not be educated without being informed and vice versa.
The song uses this phrasing for the purposes of rhythm and meter. Dropping articles before words is commonplace in lyrics, poems and other creative writing.
So, to strictly answer you question: Yes it has meaning. It means the same thing as, "What does the fox say?" But no, it isn't grammatically correct in the sense that you would never use it in a formal context.
Best Answer
An educated guess is a guess in which you take into account factors which might affect the outcome using reason. It is a term used to clarify that a guess is not one which is made “off the top of your head”—that is, guessing the first possibility that comes to mind—but rather one which, although it is still a guess, is generated by considering multiple possibilities and selecting the one thought most likely by considering those factors that a reasonable person might assume will affect the outcome.