Speculate
To form a theory or conjecture about something without sufficient evidence; to engage in a venture or investment based on conjecture rather than certainty.
verbSpeculate
To form a theory or conjecture about something without sufficient evidence; to engage in a venture or investment based on conjecture rather than certainty.
verbImagine This
Picture a detective at a cluttered desk, cataloging clues and quietly imagining several possible explanations for the mystery, each more speculative than the last.
Sounds Like
SPEK-yuh-layt
Looks Like
spec-ulate; starts with spec- (look) as in spectator, inspect
Remember This
Speculation often involves risk, especially in finance where people try to profit from uncertain outcomes. The noun form is speculation; the adjective form is speculative.
Other Forms
Connect With
theorize, conjecture, hypothesize, guess; speculation, financial speculation
Note
Use 'speculate that' to introduce a claim you believe might be true but cannot prove. Both 'speculate about' and 'speculate on' are common. Distinguish from 'investigate' (systematic study) and 'verify' (confirm with evidence).
Next Word
Solitary
adjective
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