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general::
Phrase(s): I guess (so). [and] I believe so.; I expect (so).; I suppose (so).; I suspect (so).; I think so.
a vague expression of assent. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to ’spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to ’spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) • Tom: Will it rain today? Bob: I suppose so. • Sue: Happy? Bill: I ’spect. Sue: You don’t sound happy. Bill: I guess not., Phrase(s): I guess [and] I expect; I suppose; I suspect
1. a phrase that introduces a supposition. (Frequently, in speech, suppose is reduced to ’spose, and expect and suspect are reduced to ’spect. The apostrophe is not always shown.) • Bob: I guess it’s going to rain. Bill: Oh, I don’t know. Maybe so, maybe not. • Alice: I expect you’ll be wanting to leave pretty soon. John: Why? It’s early yet. 2. a vague way of answering ‘yes’. • John: You want some more coffee? Jane: I ’spose. • Alice: Ready to go? John: I spect.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs