second-guess

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To vet or evaluate; to criticize or correct, often by hindsight, by presuming to have a better idea, method, etc.
To anticipate or predict someone's actions or thoughts by guesswork.

/ˈsɛk.əndˌɡɛs/ sĕkʹəndgĕs' /ˈsɛk.(ə)ndˌɡɛs/ /ˈsɛk.(ə)ntˌɡɛs/ /ˈsɛk.ɪndˌɡɛs/ /ˈsek.ən(t)ˌɡes/ En-au-second-guess.ogg

second-guess second-guesses second-guessing second-guessed second guess

A back-formation from second guesser, originally from baseball. First use appears c. 1941.

reconsider rethink think over

second guesser second thoughts question mark

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