speculate
SPEK-yuh-layt
/ˈspɛkjʊleɪt/
To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.
Implies a degree of guessing or intellectual risk-taking.
The story behind the word. Comes from the Latin 'specula', meaning 'watchtower.' To speculate was originally to look out from a high place to see what was coming.
Word relationships
- conjecture: Speculate often involves a more active search for possibilities; conjecture is a more passive guess.
- know: Knowing is based on fact; speculating is based on theory.
Commonly confused with
- invest: Investing is based on long-term value; speculating is based on short-term price guesses.
Word family
- speculation (noun): the forming of a theory without firm evidence
- speculative (adjective): engaged in or involving conjecture
Collocations
- speculate on
- wildly speculate
- purely speculate
Example sentences
- "Philosophers have long speculated on the nature of consciousness." Philosophy
- "Investors often speculate on the price of gold during times of political crisis." Finance
Memory hook
A 'spectator' watches a game; a 'speculator' watches the future. Look from the watchtower of your mind.
When not to use
Don't use when you have certain facts; use 'state' or 'conclude' instead.
Fun facts
- In the 1700s, 'speculate' was often used to describe looking through a telescope.
Related words
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