speculate

[ spek-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used without object)

, spec·u·lat·ed, spec·u·lat·ing.

1. to engage in thought or reflection; meditate (often followed by on, upon, or a clause).

   Synonyms: cogitate, reflect, think

2. to indulge in conjectural thought.

   Synonyms: theorize, suppose, surmise, guess, conjecture

3. to engage in any business transaction involving considerable risk or the chance of large gains, especially to buy and sell commodities, stocks, etc., in the expectation of a quick or very large profit.

speculate

/ ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. when tr, takes a clause as object to conjecture without knowing the complete facts
2. intr to buy or sell securities, property, etc, in the hope of deriving capital gains
3. intr to risk loss for the possibility of considerable gain
4. intr rugby to make an emergency forward kick of the ball without taking any particular aim

Other Words From

• over·specu·late verb (used without object) overspeculated overspeculating
• pre·specu·late verb (used without object) prespeculated prespeculating
• un·specu·lating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin speculātus “watched over,” past participle of speculārī “to watch over, explore, reconnoiter,” verb derivative of specula “watchtower,” noun derivative of specere “to look, regard, see”

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculate¹

C16: from Latin speculārī to spy out, from specula a watchtower, from specere to look at

Example Sentences

He also declined to speculate on whether there would be any consequences for Turkey as a Nato ally if it did take in the Hamas leaders.

From BBC

Before the election, some diplomats speculated that an outgoing Biden, unshackled by by political considerations, might crack down on Israel, including its killing of civilians and blocking of humanitarian aid.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Howells speculated that, by next year, the Bitcoin on his hard drive could be worth £1bn.

From BBC

The presence of Bes mugs in different contexts over a long period of time made it extremely difficult to speculate on their contents or roles in ancient Egyptian culture.

From Science Daily

"At this point we can only speculate, but it seems that IOPs seem better suited to veterans than to active service members," Marcantoni says.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• contemplate
• figure out
• guess
• hypothesize
• read
• reflect
• ruminate
• surmise
• weigh
• wonder