speculation

[ spek-yuh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

1. the contemplation or consideration of some subject:

   to engage in speculation on humanity's ultimate destiny.

2. a single instance or process of consideration.
3. a conclusion or opinion reached by such contemplation:

   These speculations are impossible to verify.

   Synonyms: hypothesis, theory, view, supposition

4. conjectural consideration of a matter; conjecture or surmise:

   a report based on speculation rather than facts.

5. engagement in business transactions involving considerable risk but offering the chance of large gains, especially trading in commodities, stocks, etc., in the hope of profit from changes in the market price.
6. a speculative commercial venture or undertaking.

speculation

/ ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of speculating
2. a supposition, theory, or opinion arrived at through speculating
3. investment involving high risk but also the possibility of high profits

Other Words From

• anti·specu·lation noun adjective
• nonspec·u·lation noun
• over·specu·lation noun
• prespec·u·lation noun
• semi·specu·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of speculation¹

1325–75; Middle English speculacioun < Late Latin speculātiōn- (stem of speculātiō ) exploration, observation. See speculate, -ion

Example Sentences

Rumors of Freevee’s demise spread after the company made the new ad tier the default for Prime Video users, but Amazon denied the speculation early this year.

From Los Angeles Times

The latest figures added to speculation that the US central bank might not lower rates as much as had been expected in the months ahead.

From BBC

The tame white whale, which locals named Hvaldimir, made headlines five years ago amidst widespread speculation that it was a Russian spy.

From BBC

“We ask the public to respect the presumption of innocence and to refrain from speculation as we work to gather all relevant facts.”

From Los Angeles Times

Speculation abounded and Fineman confirmed her part in it Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belief
• conjecture
• opinion
• thought