speculation

American  

[spek-yuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌspɛk yəˈleɪ ʃən /

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.

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speculation British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• antispeculation noun
• nonspeculation noun
• overspeculation noun
• prespeculation noun
• semispeculation noun

Etymology

Origin of speculation

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

Example Sentences

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tried to dampen speculation the deficit would grow.

From MarketWatch

Last year, speculation around potential tariffs on the metal sent buyers stocking up on silver in the U.S., taking inventory out of London, where global benchmark prices are set.

From The Wall Street Journal

There had been some speculation that Prince William had been the one pushing for this - but royal sources made clear this had been the King applying these sanctions on his brother.

From BBC

Lagarde has dismissed speculation about an early resignation in the past, saying last year she was determined to serve out her term after reports she had discussed leaving early to run the World Economic Forum.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman warned against “unfounded speculation,” referring back to an official statement that the probe concerns violations of party discipline and state law.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• belief
• conjecture
• opinion
• thought