speculation
[spek-yuh-ley-shuh n]
- the contemplation or consideration of some subject: to engage in speculation on humanity's ultimate destiny.
- a single instance or process of consideration.
- a conclusion or opinion reached by such contemplation: These speculations are impossible to verify.
- conjectural consideration of a matter; conjecture or surmise: a report based on speculation rather than facts.
- 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.
- a speculative commercial venture or undertaking.
Origin of speculation
Synonyms
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com3. supposition, view, theory, hypothesis.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for speculation
Contemporary Examples
Speculation raged that Duke agreed not to run as part of the deal, though it was never proven.
The speculation that the next Bond might be black has Rushbo all hot and bothered.
Internet chatter rose to a deafening roar as speculation began about what—plastic surgery?
Speculation at the time was that he had been recalled by the Vatican, and he does not deny it now.
Any speculation about what happens should Clinton announce a candidacy, Sefl said, is just speculation.
Is Ready for Hillary Ready to Fold—or Work With Candidate Clinton?David Freedlander
November 13, 2014
Historical Examples
Speculation was rife as to who would inherit the estate which he left behind him.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
We are pure nothings, concerning which speculation is not worth the trouble.
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
Mr Pancks still clung to that word, and never said speculation.
Little DorritCharles Dickens
He had come to Eden on a speculation of this kind, but had abandoned it, and was about to leave.
Life And Adventures Of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles Dickens
I regret that I wasn't here in those heroic days of speculation.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
speculation
- the act or an instance of speculating
- a supposition, theory, or opinion arrived at through speculating
- investment involving high risk but also the possibility of high profits
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for speculation
n.
late 14c., "contemplation, consideration," from Old French speculation, from Late Latin speculationem (nominative speculatio) "contemplation, observation," from Latin speculatus, past participle of speculari "observe," from specere "to look at, view" (see scope (n.1)). Disparaging sense of "mere conjecture" is recorded from 1570s. Meaning "buying and selling in search of profit from rise and fall of market value" is recorded from 1774; short form spec is attested from 1794.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper