speculate
SPEK-yuh-layt
/ˈspekjuleɪt/
To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence; also, to invest in stocks or property in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.
In a mental context, it implies guessing based on incomplete information. In finance, it implies high-risk gambling.
The story behind the word. Comes from the Latin 'specula', meaning a watchtower. To speculate was originally to look out from a high place to see what was coming, which evolved into 'looking' into the future to guess what might happen.
Word relationships
- conjecture: Conjecture is more formal and strictly refers to forming an opinion based on incomplete information.
- surmise: Surmise suggests a guess based on intuition or slight evidence.
- know: To have certain information.
- verify: To prove that something is true.
Commonly confused with
- meditate: Meditate is to think deeply in silence; speculate is to guess about external facts.
Word family
- speculation (noun): The act of speculating.
- speculative (adjective): Involving high risk or based on conjecture.
Collocations
- speculate on the outcome
- wildly speculate
- refuse to speculate
Example sentences
- "Observers began to speculate about the reasons for the minister's sudden resignation." Journalism
- "He lost a fortune trying to speculate on the volatile cryptocurrency market." Finance
Memory hook
You 'spec' (look) from a watchtower to 'speculate' what's coming. The watchtower guess.
When not to use
Do not use if you have solid proof; use 'conclude' or 'state' instead.
Fun facts
- In the 16th century, 'speculate' meant to study or contemplate the heavens.
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