to believe (something) before there is proof

believe, take for granted

to estimate (something not known) (from known data, information)

infer

to make general statement

make a sweeping assumption, statement

to thing, discuss something, like a philosopher

ponder

to claim, suggest (something) as necessary, especially as a basis for reasoning

suppose, figure

to put (an idea) forward for consideration, as a possibility

convey advice, plan, desire

to thing of (something) as likely; to take (something) as a fact

assume, guess