speculate

[spek-yuh-leyt]

verb (used without object)

speculated, speculating 

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 Word Forms

• overspeculate verb (used without object)
• prespeculate verb (used without object)
• unspeculating 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

In July, Nwobu survived a road accident which at the time led many people to wrongly speculate that he had died.

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The surprise move from the Georgia congresswoman - a rising star in the Republican party - has left many speculating about her next steps.

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He speculated that "they are taking them as shields" in case of an attack.

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Challenged over whether the leaks had damaged the economy, Alexander told the programme: "People always speculate in advance of a Budget and we have always said 'wait until the Budget'."

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"As this is a live investigation, please refrain from speculating online as this could prejudice the ongoing case."

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Related Words

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